J&J Vaccine Lower Efficacy

[coffeebean]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)

[Altavia]

Only one shot and simple refrigerated storage expands access more quickly.

Less effective at completely preventing COVID but very effective at reducing severity of disease and deaths.

So yes, especially if in a group that may not have access to the RNA vaccines for months. A strategy could be to be to offer to those younger groups.

Next question is getting both vaccines he types has any advantage.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Only one shot and simple refrigerated storage expands access more quickly.

Less effective at completely preventing COVID but very effective at reducing severity of disease and deaths.

So yes, especially if in a group that may not have access to the RNA vaccines for months. A strategy could be to be to offer to those younger groups.

Next question is getting both vaccines he types has any advantage.

That is exactly why I would be happy to get the J&J vaccine.

I'm already at a lower risk, because of my age and overall fitness and immunity level. I also MIGHT have already been exposed to it, and have achieved some kind of natural immunity to it, by now. I don't know that, and haven't gotten the test to find that out, and knowing that won't make me change my behavior so I won't bother with it. Having worked in the public from February 2020 til December 2020, I really have to just assume I was exposed to it.

That 66% protection seems like a pretty good deal to someone like me, who isn't likely to get sick, but wants to reduce the severity in the off-chance I manage to catch the virus anyway.

[Carla B]

No vaccine has 100% efficacy per this story: Congressman tests positive for COVID after receiving second vaccine dose (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/congressman-tests-positive-for-covid-after-receiving-second-vaccine-dose/ar-BB1deIeR?rt=0&ocid=Win10NewsApp&referrerID=InAppShare)

But, in answer to Coffeebean's question, yes I would get the J&J version if that's all that would be available. And the congressman in the link above may remain free of symptoms but could pass on the virus.

[deano_hoosier]

Interesting point earlier on the news..the first two vaccines were tested when we had fewer variants floating through the population. Now with the greater number of variants the speculation is that the efficacy of the first two vaccines may not have tested out as high. Seems plausible.

[thelegges]

First dose of Pfizer on Thursday. According to most on this site, I am high risk, if I tested positive. I also realize that I probably have 10 to 15 years on this earth, but that could change in a heartbeat or no heartbeat, tomorrow.

I would have taken J&J vaccine. At least J&J states what could be the % for the evolving strains.

I also have no illusions that any vaccine will keep me from contracting Covid, or a variant. Then again my everyday life has not changed since last March. I still shopped, at small businesses to help them keep afloat, went to restaurants when they were open, ordered takeout when restaurants were shuttered, in hopes to keep some working. I played golf every chance I got.
Saw my family when possible, even though they are exposed everyday in healthcare.

Do I feel any safer by getting the first dose, not really. Two of our kids feel the same way, Doctors at their facility were required to be vaccinated, yet their life will remain the same, especially since there is no guarantee on how long the vaccine will last, or how effective it is on those that don’t have to guess they are exposed everyday.

Only time will tell.

[JoMar]

First dose of Pfizer on Thursday. According to most on this site, I am high risk, if I tested positive. I also realize that I probably have 10 to 15 years on this earth, but that could change in a heartbeat or no heartbeat, tomorrow.

I would have taken J&J vaccine. At least J&J states what could be the % for the evolving strains.

I also have no illusions that any vaccine will keep me from contracting Covid, or a variant. Then again my everyday life has not changed since last March. I still shopped, at small businesses to help them keep afloat, went to restaurants when they were open, ordered takeout when restaurants were shuttered, in hopes to keep some working. I played golf every chance I got.
Saw my family when possible, even though they are exposed everyday in healthcare.

Do I feel any safer by getting the first dose, not really. Two of our kids feel the same way, Doctors at their facility were required to be vaccinated, yet their life will remain the same, especially since there is no guarantee on how long the vaccine will last, or how effective it is on those that don’t have to guess they are exposed everyday.

Only time will tell.

Thanks for caring about your friends and neighbors.....and thank your kids for caring about their also :coolsmiley:

[LuvtheVillages]

Remember, the whole world has to be vaccinated. This J&J vaccine will be well suited for the parts of the globe where getting a second shot may not be possible, and where extreme refrigeration is not available. I'm glad it will soon be available.

[Stu from NYC]

As long as the two being used right now are available would prefer those.

However the J and J is probably well suited to third world countries that are not equipped to handle vaccines that must be kept very cold.

I would also hope that the J and J vaccine can be improved over time.

I wonder what would happen if the doses were mixed?

[Topspinmo]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)


I’ll gladly take, better than nothing which what we’re getting now. Hundreds thousands in line for few hundred spots.

[Topspinmo]

As long as the two being used right now are available would prefer those.

However the J and J is probably well suited to third world countries that are not equipped to handle vaccines that must be kept very cold.

I would also hope that the J and J vaccine can be improved over time.

I wonder what would happen if the doses were mixed?

Were not equipped to handle the 400 degree below zero vaccine.

[coffeebean]

No vaccine has 100% efficacy per this story: Congressman tests positive for COVID after receiving second vaccine dose (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/congressman-tests-positive-for-covid-after-receiving-second-vaccine-dose/ar-BB1deIeR?rt=0&ocid=Win10NewsApp&referrerID=InAppShare)

But, in answer to Coffeebean's question, yes I would get the J&J version if that's all that would be available. And the congressman in the link above may remain free of symptoms but could pass on the virus.

We have to keep in mind that we do not achieve the promised immunity after both shots of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for a period of time. Immunity reaches a peak level two weeks after the second dose. The congressman who contracted Covid after the second shot may have contracted the virus during the time frame that he was not completely immune. Then there is the fact that neither vaccine is 100% effective in preventing infection. The 100% efficacy is for not having severe symptoms from the infection and not needing hospitalization.

[Stu from NYC]

Were not equipped to handle the 400 degree below zero vaccine.

???????

[coffeebean]

Interesting point earlier on the news..the first two vaccines were tested when we had fewer variants floating through the population. Now with the greater number of variants the speculation is that the efficacy of the first two vaccines may not have tested out as high. Seems plausible.

This article gives me hope that our current vaccines will be effective against the variants....

Drugmakers expect tests to confirm vaccines effective against new coronavirus variant | Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-variant/drugmakers-expect-tests-to-confirm-vaccines-effective-against-new-coronavirus-variant-idUSKBN28W1P5)

[thelegges]

The vaccine doses are already being mixed. Meaning a person may have Pfizer for first dose, then Moderna for second dose. Why is this happening? So far two prominent reasons. One the patient lost their card, and doesn’t remember which vaccine they received, or went to a different site for second dose, due to availability.
Other issue the freezer stopped working, (Pfizer) and the facility gave all vaccine before it expired, next vaccine shipment, was Moderna
Since there were no studies for a mix, and probably won’t be. The CDC did make a quick statement that a mix should not be a problem, if mixing vaccine doses did happen.

[stanley]

The vaccine doses are already being mixed. Meaning a person may have Pfizer for first dose, then Moderna for second dose. Why is this happening? So far two prominent reasons. One the patient lost their card, and doesn’t remember which vaccine they received, or went to a different site for second dose, due to availability.
Other issue the freezer stopped working, (Pfizer) and the facility gave all vaccine before it expired, next vaccine shipment, was Moderna
Since there were no studies for a mix, and probably won’t be. The CDC did make a quick statement that a mix should not be a problem, if mixing vaccine doses did happen.

And people trust the "vaccines" when nobody knows what the hell is going on

[Bill14564]

Were not equipped to handle the 400 degree below zero vaccine.

The vaccines do not require anything near 400 degrees below zero. (more like -100F according to CDC)

[Rwirish]

No question I would take the J&J vaccine. A game changer in many ways.

[epratt]

I am waiting for the J&J vaccine. Prefer just one shot. Will probably get it more toward the end of the year so others can be vaccinated first. Since I work with the public, I have probably had COVID and just didn’t know it since I have never been tested.

[PaulinTV]

Interesting point earlier on the news..the first two vaccines were tested when we had fewer variants floating through the population. Now with the greater number of variants the speculation is that the efficacy of the first two vaccines may not have tested out as high. Seems plausible.

My understanding is that the reason they offer a "regular" flu vaccine each fall is because of this mutation as well. They develop the next fall vaccine to combat as many strains as possible and each year update to fight against each new strain.

Those little buggers are persistent!!

[bragones]

J&J's vaccine has a higher effective rate for fighting Covid than the annual flu shot. It's also safer since it is a more traditional based vaccine vs. RNA based Pfizer/Moderna vaccines. Long term impact of RNA vaccines is still an unknown. Personally, I would choose J&J over current vaccines but I'm happy that choices just keep coming.

[merrymini]

Yes, uphold your standards. If you cannot get 100 percent take nothing less! GUARANTEED!

[Galesmom]

I am not sure how it is going to be once the J&J vaccine is approved. I do know that when we go to the Orange County Convention Center for our vaccine that we will not have a choice as to what vaccine we are given! But do agree that we would rather the Moderna and Pfizer!

[chrissy2231]

None completely protect you from Covid. Lessens symptons. Moderna & pfizzer 95%

[DAVES]

That is exactly why I would be happy to get the J&J vaccine.

I'm already at a lower risk, because of my age and overall fitness and immunity level. I also MIGHT have already been exposed to it, and have achieved some kind of natural immunity to it, by now. I don't know that, and haven't gotten the test to find that out, and knowing that won't make me change my behavior so I won't bother with it. Having worked in the public from February 2020 til December 2020, I really have to just assume I was exposed to it.

That 66% protection seems like a pretty good deal to someone like me, who isn't likely to get sick, but wants to reduce the severity in the off-chance I manage to catch the virus anyway.

We are experiencing panic. Sort of reminds me of the history of the Titanic. People have not changed. For many just like on the Titanic, the band played on. Others, women and children first and some guys said to heck with that.

Trying to make a decision, the information is changing. No shortage of conflicting information. Claimed 90+% effective by Pfizer and Moderna. The flu shot is in a good year about 60%. A virus by it's nature mutates. Months ago I read somewhere they had about 60 different strains. Most recently we are being told here is a more contagious one in England that has been found in the US. More recently there is a more deadly one that has also come to the US.

I have a REAL pre-existing condition and I am over 70. No plan can ever be perfect for all.

Recent information CLAIMS you can take the Moderna shot as a first shot and the Pfizer as a second. Not sure if it works the other way around. Information, no one has said if you have had covid are you immune, as immune as you would be with the shots.
Heck we do not even know how long the immunity will last with any of the shots or getting the disease. One time and done or will we need boosters every year.

We are seeing panic. Truth it is ugly.

[Topspinmo]

The vaccines do not require anything near 400 degrees below zero. (more like -100F according to CDC)


Then why all the special freezers?

[Topspinmo]

Looks like some 65 and older will get different formula of J &J vaccine?

J&J'''s one-shot Covid vaccine is safe, generates promising immune response (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/13/covid-vaccine-johnson-johnson-one-shot-safe-generates-immune-response.html)

[jimjamuser]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)
I would be fine with whatever is the 1st vaccine available to me. That is what the medical experts that I see on TV recommend. The J&J vaccine has an efficacy of 72% - which means that you have a 72% chance of NOT becoming positive for CV. But in J&J tests their vaccine is 100% likely to prevent DEATH from CV. Those odds are good enough for me! For example, 60 some % is the highest EVER efficacy for the seasonal flu vaccines. We have become SPOILED by the high ( 95% ) efficacies of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

[Byte1]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)

The Flu vaccine only has an average of 40-60% efficacy and I do not hear anyone questioning the idea of rushing to get theirs every year.

[Byte1]

I am only concerned about getting an appointment for my spouse. I don't care if I get one or not and I know that the VA will offer me one once they get stocked up on the vaccine. They offer me the Flu shot every year and I turn it down because I have never had the flu and I have been around many infected with the flu. I have not decided whether I will get the Covid shot or not. I've been out and about and have mingled with those that do not use masks. I know almost two dozen now, that have survived the virus and I am in better shape than almost all of them. If that scares you, then stay at home because I have not been convinced that I "need" the added protection. I take high doses of Vit.D and other supplements daily and I get plenty of sunlight and fresh air. I do not attempt to convince any else to do as I do, I am just stating my view on this virus as related to me. Once my spouse is vaccinated, I will go about my life in a completely normal manner. I do take precautions around her, but only her. Everyone else can take care of themselves. I maintain my distance from others that I do not know out of courtesy, not out of fear.
That said, I am spending hours on line and on the phone, attempting to get my spouse vaccinated. I am sure that if I had as many medical issues, I too would be concerned about infection.
If I was concerned about getting myself vaccinated, I would take what was first available and not be so picky about what brand it is. Next year, maybe you can be more picky but right now you need to just take what is first available to you. But, that is just my opinion. This thing will pass eventually. I do not believe the political medical experts that say this will stay with us forever. Nothing is forever, except for death, not even taxes. Some pay taxes and some don't, but everyone dies someday.
Remember, even the vaccine with the lowest efficacy is better than the flu vaccine. The more you wait for your version of the "best" vaccine, the more chance you have of being infected before you get your shot.

[Bill14564]

Then why all the special freezers?

Because your refrigerator doesn’t go anywhere near -100, you need a special freezer for that.

[Timeweaver1]

The J&J vaccine was tested in South Africa and while only 50% effective against getting covid -- it was 100% effective in that no patients needed to go to the hospital. That's a win for me. Moderna and Pfister are also not effective against the S. African strain since it was not identified during its testing. They are looking at booster shots.

[Binnyboy]

Efficacy is an issue in Africa not in the U.S. People are struggling with Moderna 2nd shot. J &J is a very reputable company. I see no reason to not wait for their vaccine. Patience is a virtue.

[Jnjguy]

While the J&J vaccine was 66% effective in moderate disease it was 100% effective in preventing hospitalizations and death. For an elderly population, that is what you want.

[Banksy]

Very succinct reply. Could not have said it better. Thank you

[DIver0258]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)

Yes i would take it if offered. We have gotten flu vaccinations every year. The majority of years they have been effective. CDC is guessing what will be the dominate strain each year.

The J&J vaccine reduces the severity of COVID making it much more survivable. If it can be produced and administered in sufficient quantities to be given to the under 65 sector of the population, it would really assist in slowing COVID's spread. Also this would allow the more effective vaccines to be used for the higher risk portion of the population. The combination of both would largely reduce mortality as the spread would be stymied.

[Pairadocs]

I would not want the J&J vaccine because of the lower efficacy. One shot vs two of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I would much prefer the latter two. How do you feel about the lower efficacy of the J&J vaccine? Will you take it?

Fauci says Johnson & Johnson vaccine helpful in COVID-19 fight despite lower efficacy | TheHill (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536592-fauci-says-johnson-johnson-vaccine-helpful-in-covid-fight-despite-lower)

It's going to be hard to say, viruses as we know (old biology 101 right... are not static. Also quite interesting today that several The John's Hopkins virologists and M.D.'s believe the one does may last longer and be more effective moving forward, their conclusion is the efficacy may not be on any concern as there would be boosters as the virus replicates and changes in structure, explained that efficacy "stats" do not always reflect that the higher the better, just too many other considerations, but more to come I would guess based on their analysis.

[Pairadocs]

The J&J vaccine was tested in South Africa and while only 50% effective against getting covid -- it was 100% effective in that no patients needed to go to the hospital. That's a win for me. Moderna and Pfister are also not effective against the S. African strain since it was not identified during its testing. They are looking at booster shots.

Yes, that was one of many very interesting aspects discussed today with some very interesting doctors, not connected to our government CDC or the WHO, very cogent analysis is that may not be the way to "vaccine shop"....that we should all consider more of the variables and not efficacy if we don't have the background and be sure to discuss on individual basis with own doctor. One noted doctor said, lol, that would be like choosing a new car solely based on color .... I chucked but, actually a very intuitive observation !:mademyday::clap2:

[JimJohnson]

Only one shot and simple refrigerated storage expands access more quickly.

Less effective at completely preventing COVID but very effective at reducing severity of disease and deaths.

So yes, especially if in a group that may not have access to the RNA vaccines for months. A strategy could be to be to offer to those younger groups.

Next question is getting both vaccines he types has any advantage.

Yes, agree. JJ is a great addition to the vaccine availability. JJ has been proven effective at preventing hospitalization and death.

[coffeebean]

It's going to be hard to say, viruses as we know (old biology 101 right... are not static. Also quite interesting today that several The John's Hopkins virologists and M.D.'s believe the one does may last longer and be more effective moving forward, their conclusion is the efficacy may not be on any concern as there would be boosters as the virus replicates and changes in structure, explained that efficacy "stats" do not always reflect that the higher the better, just too many other considerations, but more to come I would guess based on their analysis.

Moderna is developing a booster shot for the variant found in South Africa.......

Moderna Developing Vaccine Booster Shot for Virus Strain Identified in South Africa - WSJ (https://www.wsj.com/articles/moderna-developing-vaccine-booster-shot-against-virus-strain-first-identified-in-south-africa-11611581400)

[Altavia]

The Russian vaccine is similar technology with 2 doses.

Peer-reviewed study finds Russia's COVID vaccine is 91.6% effective - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-covid-vaccine-results-trial-lancet-says-highly-effective/#app)

Peer-reviewed study finds Russia's COVID vaccine is 91.6% effective

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 91.6 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infection, according to results published in The Lancet on Tuesday that some independent experts say should allay transparency concerns over the jab, which Moscow is already rolling out. Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — was approved in Russia months before results from its final-stage clinical trials were published, leading to skepticism from experts.

The new analysis of data from 20,000 participants in Phase 3 trials suggests that the two-dose vaccination offers more than 90 percent efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, according to The Lancet study.

"The development of the Sputnik V vaccine has been criticized for unseemly haste, corner cutting, and an absence of transparency," said an independent Lancet commentary by Ian Jones of the University of Reading and Polly Roy of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. "But the outcome reported here is clear and the scientific principle of vaccination is demonstrated, which means another vaccine can now join the fight to reduce the incidence of COVID-19."

Pre-empting the results of the phase 3 trials, Russia has already launched a mass inoculation campaign for citizens 18 and older.

Several countries around the world have already registered Sputnik V, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund which helped develop the vaccine, including Belarus, Venezuela, Bolivia and Algeria.

In January, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany had offered Russia support in Moscow's development of Sputnik V, after Russian authorities said they had applied for registration in the European Union.

The Russian trial

The trial involved giving 14,964 participants in the vaccine group and 4,902 in the placebo group two jabs 21 days apart. The trial was carried out at 25 different hospitals and clinics, all in the Moscow region.

Those taking part were tested for COVID-19 at enrolment into the trial, again when they had the second dose and then after that if they reported symptoms.

From the second dose, 16 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 were confirmed in the vaccine group and 62 cases were reported in the placebo group, giving an efficacy equivalent to 91.6 percent.

The authors said, however, that efficacy was only calculated on symptomatic cases and said more research would be needed to assess how it affects asymptomatic disease.

They added that the follow-up period was around 48 days from the first dose, so the full period of protection is still unknown. The trial is ongoing and plans to recruit a total of 40,000 people.

Sputnik V uses two different disarmed strains of the adenovirus, a virus that causes the common cold, as vectors to deliver the vaccine dose.

Developers said that using a different adenovirus vector for the booster vaccination minimizes the risk of the immune system developing resistance to the initial vector, so it may help create a more powerful response.

Alexander Edwards, an Associate Professor in Biomedical Technology at the University of Reading, said the trial might help provide evidence to this theory of immune response.

"Pandemic means 'all' — and the only way to address a global problem is with a global response — sharing data, science, technology and medicines," he said.

The vaccine has the advantage of being able to be stored at normal refrigerator temperatures instead of the conditions far below freezing required for some other vaccines.

First published on February 2, 2021 / 9:29 AM

[Two Bills]

It gives a 66% better chance against the virus than nothing!

[coffeebean]

It gives a 66% better chance against the virus than nothing!

Agree, but as others have said on this thread, if given the choice of vaccines, I would prefer Moderna or Pfizer with the higher efficacy. Having said that, these variant strains have thrown a monkey wrench into the efficacy of the vaccines we have now. This will be an uphill battle against this mutating virus for the time being.

[Boston-Sean]

Disclaimer: I don't know who put this together but it appears to be a summary of the sources listed at the end.

[Byte1]

While the J&J vaccine was 66% effective in moderate disease it was 100% effective in preventing hospitalizations and death. For an elderly population, that is what you want.

Actually, in the test trials the U.S. had a 75% efficacy. The 66% number must have come as an average of the combined countries testing. Africa had about the lowest results and the U.S. had the highest I believe. I can't remember the source for my number. It may have been on the J&J website, but I can't say for sure. One doctor said that it may very well handle the African mutations better than the other serums.