Sign in Subscribe
AstraZeneca PLC

UN Health Agency Approves Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine for International Use

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations health agency's expert advisory board, SAGE, has publicly approved the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for international use after allaying concerns over clotting events associated with coronavirus jabs. Despite some countries suspending the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, pending scientific review, the expert panel noted that clotting episodes are a symptom of COVID-19. The SAGE Technical Advisor stated that the vaccine trials showed no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of blood clots between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. Dr. Kate O'Brien emphasized the need to use the vaccines quickly, as the world faces insufficient supply to meet the requirements of people who need to be vaccinated.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for international use by the SAGE expert advisory board, following a review of safety and efficacy data.
  • Despite concerns over clotting events, the SAGE Technical Advisor stated that the vaccine trials showed no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of blood clots between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups.
  • The expert panel emphasized that clotting episodes are a symptom of COVID-19, rather than a cause of the vaccine-induced adverse reactions.
  • Dr. Kate O'Brien highlighted the need to use the vaccines quickly, as the world faces insufficient supply to meet the requirements of people who need to be vaccinated.
  • The vaccine has undergone thorough testing, with nearly 44,000 people participating in the trials, and has shown no reason to think that it could cause thrombo-embolic events.
  • The WHO recommends that vaccinations continue, despite concerns over the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine suspension by some European nations.

Statistics:

  • 10 of the 22,000 people who received the blank dose in the Janssen vaccine trials developed a blood clot (or 0.045%).
  • 14 of the remaining 22,000 people who were inoculated developed a clot (or 0.063%).
  • 2.5 million new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the week commencing 15 February 2021.
  • The Americas and Europe account for more than 80% of new cases and new deaths, with rises in new cases in all regions apart from Africa.
  • As of 17 March 2021, there have been 120,164,106 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 2,660,422 deaths, reported to WHO.
  • More than 363,000,000 vaccine doses have been administered globally.

Sources:

  • [United Nations News]
  • [World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/)]
  • [European Medical Agency (EMA)]

Read more