President Joe Biden, in a statement, called the authorization “exciting news for all Americans,” but he warned that the country continues to follow basic public health measures, such as masking and maintaining distance – especially as new variants of more contagious viruses spread.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable,” said Biden. “We must remain vigilant, act quickly and aggressively and take care of each other – this is how we are going to achieve that light together.”
The vaccine is 66% effective against widespread coronavirus infection, but is particularly good at containing serious illness, hospitalization and death, which J&J executives say is most important to consumers.
A panel of experts advising the FDA agreed, voting unanimously on Friday to recommend the vaccine to people aged 18 and over.
“We need vaccines that are effective and well tolerated. And, most importantly, those that are simple to implant, ”said Gregory Poland, director of the vaccine research group at the Mayo Clinic, during a presentation by J&J to the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on Friday.
State and local health officials also expressed optimism about the vaccine.