Janssen Vaccine Supply Resumes in Europe: "Vaccination Benefits Outweigh Side Effects"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen has resumed supplying its COVID-19 vaccine in Europe. This decision was made because the European Medicines Agency (EMA) determined that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of vaccine-related thrombosis side effects.

According to major foreign media on the 21st (local time), J&J decided to resume supply by adding rare thrombosis and other very rare side effects to the vaccine packaging, along with descriptions of symptoms and treatment methods. Previously, about 8 million people in the United States received the Janssen vaccine, but vaccination was halted after six women were confirmed to have developed rare thrombosis during the process.

Following EMA's decision, countries such as the Netherlands and Italy have decided to proceed with vaccinations. However, Italy recommended that the Janssen vaccine be administered only to those aged 60 and over. The French government is expected to resume vaccine supply this week, and the German government is also reported to soon resume supply through the federal government.

The Janssen vaccine has been regarded as a game changer because, unlike messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) that require ultra-cold storage and distribution, it can be stored in a regular refrigerator and requires only a single dose.