The Federal Drug Administration has confirmed that Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is 66% effective and is set to debate on the approval of its emergency use on Friday, Feb. 26

The 66% effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine accounts for prevention of moderate to severe COVID-19 effects, a number that increases to 85% against the most serious effects from the virus.

Independent advisors will debate elements of the vaccine on Friday before the FDA makes a decision on whether or not the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may receive emergency approval in the U.S.

If authorized, Johnson & Johnson would join Pfizer and Moderna as the three companies distributing vaccines in the U.S.

When the Pfizer vaccine went through the FDA’s approval process in December, it was approved the following day after debates took place.

In a press briefing Wednesday, the White House COVID-19 response team said it is already anticipating approval from the FDA and may roll out 3 to 4 million vaccine doses starting next week. Johnson & Johnson believes it can produce 20 million doses by the end of March.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the number of weekly vaccines distributed to states would increase from the minimum of 13.5 million to 14.5 million, starting next week.

After President Biden met with Pfizer on Feb. 19, he was assured by CEO Albert Bourla that the company can produce and deliver 200 million vaccines by the end of May.

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