FDA Finds Janssen COVID Vaccine Safe for Use

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

FDA Finds Janssen COVID Vaccine Safe for Use

Feb 24, 2021, 09:08 AM by MSDC Staff

The J&J vaccine could widen the number of people quickly vaccinated from COVID-19.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a positive review Wednesday of a single shot COVID vaccine from Janssen/John & Johnson.

You can read the FDA report here.

The report notes the vaccine is 85% effective at preventing severe illness related to COVID-19 and 66% effective in protecting from moderate cases. The protection from severe illness was similar across all known variants of COVID-19. The report also notes it is 100% effective in clinical trials in preventing hospitalization and death.

The 100% effectiveness against hospitalization and death is of particular note since the review found the vaccine was less effective for adults older than 60 with risk factors. Additional challenges include the protection from moderate cases slipped to 57% in South Africa, where the pandemic is driven by a new variant of the disease.

The J&J vaccine is highly anticipated due to its easy storage (refrigerator temperatures), long shelf life (months), and one-dose application. The FDA Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting will take place Friday, the next step to potential Emergency Use Authorization for the vaccine. If authorized, J&J have said they can have 2 million doses available immediately.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.