FDA: Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine prevents COVID; final decision soon

Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine protects against COVID-19, federal regulators said Wednesday, paving the way for a final approval as early as this week. 

The Food and Drug Administration’s scientists confirmed that overall the vaccine is about 66% effective at preventing moderate to severe COVID-19. The agency also said J&J’s shot – which could help speed vaccinations by requiring just one dose instead of two – is safe to use, according to the Associated Press.

That’s just one step in the FDA’s evaluation of a third vaccine option for the U.S.

On Friday, the agency’s independent advisers will debate if the evidence is strong enough to recommend the long-anticipated shot, the wire service also reports.