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J&J Resumption Increases Vaccine Availability, But COVID Protections Still Needed

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J&J Resumption Increases Vaccine Availability, But COVID Protections Still Needed

J&J Resumption Increases Vaccine Availability, But COVID Protections Still Needed

Key Points:

Key Points:

  • In today’s Recommendations for Industry, we discuss the resumption of the J&J vaccine and why vaccinations don’t eliminate the need for COVID protections. Read more below.  
  • The FDA and CDC have lifted their recommended pause for the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. Ultimately, the two agencies have confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine with the benefits far outweighing the potential risks. Current data shows the chance/risk of blood clots as being low and something they will continue to track. Read the News Release here.
  • The European Union bloc is anticipating that fully vaccinated tourists may begin visiting Europe in the summer.
  • In India, COVID-19 cases and deaths are rising as hospitals run out of oxygen and cremation sites are inundated. India has asked for global help, and countries throughout the world are stepping in with support (including sending oxygen). Day after day, India reports higher and higher daily case rates.
  • The NYT reports that almost 8% of those who have received a first-dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines do not get a second dose. This is due to people choosing to not get their second shots due to symptoms experienced from the first shot, as well as vaccine providers canceling second-dose appointments due to not having the vaccine in stock or having the wrong type of vaccine.
  • A recent study published in PNAS is “A guideline to limit indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19.” Its “theoretical model quantifies the extent to which transmission risk is reduced in large rooms with high air exchange rates, increased for more vigorous respiratory activities, and dramatically reduced by the use of face masks.” We discuss this article in today’s Recommendations for Industry and you can find the research article here.

Recommendations for Industry

J&J Resumption Increases Vaccine Availability, But COVID Protections Still Needed

The FDA and CDC have recommended that use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine be resumed in the US, stating that their safety review has provided “confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 with available data showing that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks in those 18 and older. With all who want to be vaccinated now eligible, the resumption of J&J vaccinations should make it easier to source a provider. 

However, even increased vaccinations does not mean that we are out of the woods in COVID transmission. Not only are we still below the optimal percent of vaccinated people for population/ “herd” immunity, but the vaccines do not completely prevent the potential of mild or asymptomatic infection. It is for this reason that TAG recommends that testing be continued and that businesses continue to consider indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19 as they begin to work through return-to-work practices.

As discussed in a study published in PNAS (and summarized in the keypoint above), the number of people and length of time in a confined space (such as an office area or conference room) has more impact on potential transmission that simply sitting six feet apart. No matter how far apart people may be in the area, the air will mix and droplets spread over time – which reenforces the importance of looking at one’s air handling system and the amount of fresh or filtered air that is circulated in an area. But, in addition to the ventilation rate of a room or area, you also need to consider number of people, volume of the space, the activities that take place, whether masks are worn, and various other factors based on the specifics of the area.

It can be quite complex, but TAG has been assisting business with such determinations throughout the pandemic. Give us a call if you need assistance with this – or other aspects to be considered in returning your people to work.

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