The newly authorized Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine has started shipping nearly 4 million doses. Officials say this is expected to increase the supply of vaccines in the coming weeks and months. 

The vaccine has been signed off by both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. It is now the third to receive authorization in the United States.  It is however, the first single dose vaccine that does not require ultracold storage and to receive the blessing of U.S. authorities. 

The White House’s COVID-19 response coordinator, Jeff Zients has said that 3.9 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be distributed to states, tribes, territories, pharmacies and community health centers this week.

Similarly to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna  vaccines, the vaccine is being shared based on population. The federal government is monitoring distribution to ensure that all three vaccines are offered in a fair and equal way. 

This vaccine can fully inoculate people who may not be able or willing to receive a second dose. It has easier storage and transportation meaning it can be delivered and administered quicker and easier at community settings.

“Having several types of vaccines offers more availability which is a great advancement,” said senior Jimena Vazquez.

An international study has determined Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine to be 66 percent effective in preventing moderate to severe cases of COVID-19. It also determined that the vaccine prevented COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.

“The vaccine has shown to be effective in preventing very serious illness and death which is what’s really important, not only the percentage effectiveness,” said senior Veronica Eulate. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the president’s chief medical adviser, also found that the vaccine is 72 percent effective against moderate to severe infection in the U.S. 

CDC data show that cases and deaths have increased by two percent, Americans are being urged to continue following public health guidelines to prevent a potential fourth surge caused by more infectious variants. Vaccination is the key to ultimately ending the pandemic and its availability is growing but in the meantime, safety guidelines should continue to be followed.