The Third COVID Vaccine: Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)

The new Janssen COVID vaccine, administered by Johnson & Johnson, was

released on February 27, 2021. Individuals who are 18 years or older are eligible for this

vaccination and can receive their dose when approved by their primary care physician.

The Janssen vaccine is a single dose, compared to Pfizer and Moderna, which are two

doses. The shot is injected into the deltoid muscle, also known as the common shoulder

muscle, which is the triangular shaped muscle that contours the shoulder.

The vaccine is manufactured using a specific type of virus called adenovirus type

26, commonly known as Ad26. This virus delivers a piece of DNA that is used to make

the “spike” protein for COVID. Ad26 has been modified for the vaccine so that the body

does not replicate the illness. When the vaccine is injected, the human body can

temporarily make the spike protein, which will trigger the immune system to react

defensively to the virus.

Side effects are common, including pain around the injection site, headache,

fatigue, muscle aches, and nausea. These effects can occur 1-2 days after the vaccination

and can last for 1-2 days.

Works Cited:

Commissioner, Office of the. “FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Third

COVID-19 Vaccine.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, 27 Feb. 2021.

Pharmacist Erin Edmonds Fills a Syringe with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19

Janssen Vaccine at the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center in Boston. Jamaica Plain

VA Medical Center.