The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to approve the use of the new coronavirus vaccine from the American pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson for people over the age of 18.
If approved, it will be the fifth type of vaccine in Japan, but it will not be subject to free public vaccination.
On the 30th, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare decided to hold an expert group to approve the vaccine developed by the Johnson & Johnson group company Janssen Pharma.
The target is 18 years old or older, and if approved, it is the fifth type of new coronavirus vaccine in Japan.
The number of inoculations is basically one, and additional inoculations can be given two months apart.
In clinical trials conducted overseas, the effect of preventing the onset of moderate or higher was 66.9% for the first inoculation and 75.2% for the second inoculation.
On the other hand, other vaccines that have already been approved are not eligible for free public vaccination for the time being, as the required amount has been secured at this time.
Since it is not supplied from the country, it must be purchased independently for use by medical institutions and local governments.
In the United States, this vaccine is rarely reported for thrombosis and its use is limited, such as when other vaccines are not available.
Same "viral vector vaccine" as AstraZeneca
There are three types of new coronavirus vaccines that have been approved in Japan so far.
Of these, Pfizer and Moderna use the genetic material "mRNA" and are called "mRNA vaccines."
In addition, the Novabax vaccine is called a "recombinant protein vaccine", which artificially produces the protein of the virus and inoculates it as a vaccine.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is a type called "viral vector vaccine" that carries genetic material using a virus that is harmless to the human body.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the same "viral vector vaccine" as AstraZeneca.
Professor Tetsuo Nakayama of Kitasato University, who is familiar with vaccines, said about Johnson & Johnson's vaccine, "The advantage is that you only need one vaccination. On the other hand, virus vector vaccines rarely cause thrombosis. It has not been widely used because it has been pointed out that it may cause it. It may be a challenge to reduce concerns about side reactions while showing high efficacy. "
On top of that, "The development of vaccines with various mechanisms against the new coronavirus will lead to more options. Many vaccines are available not only for coronavirus but also for preparation for the next emerging infectious disease. I think it makes sense to put it to practical use. "