Is Janssen Vaccine Effective for Only 6 Months? Authorities Say "Further Booster Research Needed" (Update)

"Antibodies Confirmed to Persist for Over 6 Months After Vaccination... Does Not Mean They Last Only 6 Months"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] In response to concerns that the protective effect of the single-dose Janssen vaccine may be short-lived, health authorities stated that the duration of antibody persistence is not yet clear and that further research is needed. They also explained that additional doses may be necessary.

On the 3rd, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at the regular briefing of the COVID-19 Central Disease Control Headquarters, “For the Janssen vaccine as well as other vaccines that have been granted emergency use authorization or full approval so far, the development and usage periods have not been very long, so the duration of antibody persistence is actually unclear.”

He added, “It has been confirmed that antibodies persist for more than six months after vaccination, but this does not mean they last only six months. Over time, it will be necessary to verify how long neutralizing antibodies or binding antibodies, which provide protection, continue to persist.”

Accordingly, the authorities consider that additional vaccination (booster shots) may be required. Deputy Head Kwon said, “Research on heterologous vaccination involving one dose of AstraZeneca and two doses of Pfizer is currently underway domestically. Regarding heterologous vaccination, once the budget is secured around next week, a more detailed protocol will be finalized and the study will proceed.”

He explained, “We are planning research with consideration of the composition of the vaccine for additional doses as well as the possibility of heterologous vaccination.”