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Johnson & Johnson announced Thursday that the FDA has authorized an extension of its COVID vaccine's shelf life from three months to 4.5 months.
Why it matters: Amid a slowdown in vaccine uptake, a number of state health officials had been sounding the alarm that hundreds of thousands of single-shot J&J doses could expire this month.
- Prior to the FDA's extension, which the agency confirmed to Axios, J&J's vaccine could be stored at normal refrigeration temps for up to three months. Pfizer and Moderna's two-shot vaccines must be stored in colder temperatures, but can last for up to six months.
- The extension is based on "data from ongoing stability assessment studies, which have demonstrated that the vaccine is stable at 4.5 months when refrigerated at temperatures of 36–46°F (2–8°C)," J&J said in a statement.
What they're saying: "A single-shot vaccine that provides protection and prevents hospitalization and death is an important tool in the global fight against COVID-19," J&J said.
- "Evidence from our Phase 3 ENSEMBLE study demonstrates the efficacy of our single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, including against viral variants that are highly prevalent. Regardless of race and ethnicity, age, geographic location and comorbidities, these results remain consistent."
- Vaccine providers should check the J&J website to confirm the vaccine's latest expiration dates, the company added.
The big picture: The authorization comes as COVID vaccine demand declines in the U.S., though it continues to skyrocket abroad.
- In the U.S., over 10.1 million J&J doses have been delivered but not administered, according to CDC data.
- President Biden has said he will send 20 million doses of COVID vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, to other countries by the end of June.