ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) – While states are desperately waiting for more doses of the limited coronavirus vaccines created by Pfizer and Moderna, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan hopes that another company will start producing its version of its COVID-19 vaccine soon.
State officials said one of the companies that is approaching production is Johnson & Johnson, which has a contract with Maryland-based Emergent BioSolutions, for a covid-19 vaccine.
Dr. David Marcozzi, from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, called the Johnson & Johnson vaccine a “game changer” because it is a single dose injection. Current Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.
“There is good news, as there are more COVID-19 vaccines getting closer and closer to being authorized for use,” said Marcozzi. “Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine efficacy data is expected to be available in a few weeks and shortly thereafter [it] will be submitted to the FDA for consideration. The J&J vaccine is a single dose with less refrigerated storage requirements. Therefore, the authorization of this vaccine can be a game changer. “
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Authorities say that once the FDA approves this vaccine, it will improve the availability of the vaccine and help with vaccination efforts not only in Maryland, but across the country.
Emergent BioSolutions, based in Gaithersburg and Baltimore, would manufacture the vaccine here in Maryland. The company has contracts with Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.
Hogan said that once they receive authorization from the FDA, they will be able to “trigger” them.
The governor said he will speak to the president soon and learn more.
For the latest information on coronavirus, go to the Maryland Department of Health website or call 211. You can find all WJZ coverage at coronavirus in Maryland here.