This Single-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Was Just Ruled To Be Safe And Effective

Doses of the COVID-19 vaccines continue to be administered around the world, but a new one might enter the arena soon.

The new vaccine, created by Johnson & Johnson, involves a single dose while both the Pfizer and Moderna ones need two given several weeks apart for optimal protection. 

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65,032,083 Doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in the U.S.

The downside to the single-dose version? The apparent lower effectiveness when compared to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

NBC reports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ruled the vaccine to be about 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe symptoms of COVID-19, while the Pfizer candidate was shown to be 95% effective after both doses.

The upside? The FDA ruled the vaccine to be safe and effective, and they also believe it could lead to a rapid acceleration in the nationwide vaccination process, meaning life might return to normal quicker.

The vaccine has yet to be fully approved for nationwide distribution, but the FDA is expected to make a final decision within days.

Pfizer is expected to help ramp up the vaccination process as well by increasing its weekly vaccine distribution from 4-5 million to 13 million by mid-March according to written testimony from Pfizer’s Chief Business Officer, John Young.

Moderna also plans on delivering up to 40 million doses a month, which would double its current supply, and send out another 100 million doses by the end of May, per Axios. 

Editor's Note: The CDC has a robust website with all the latest information on the vaccine and can answer any questions you may have. Click here for more information.