About the Janssen Vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the vaccine is “manufactured using a specific type of virus called adenovirus type 26 (Ad26). The vaccine uses Ad26 to deliver a piece of the DNA, or genetic material, that is used to make the distinctive ‘spike’ protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.”
• Adenoviruses are considered to be relatively common.
• Ad26 can cause symptoms similar to the common cold and conjunctivitis.
• Janssen has modified Ad26 for the vaccine. It cannot replicate in the human body to cause illness.
• After one receives this vaccine, the body can temporarily make the spike protein.
• This protein doesn’t cause disease but triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively and produce an immune response against COVID-19.
“With today’s authorization, we are adding another vaccine in our medical toolbox to fight this virus,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, and director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. He went on to say that Americans can be assured of the FDA’s commitment to public health through rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of the data submitted for vaccine candidates.
