Johnson & Johnson vaccine timetable
Deputy Berry asked when Johnson & Johnson would submit its vaccine documentation and whether it could speed up rollout. The Taoiseach said the EMA authorisation process was expected in early April, possibly earlier, and noted the Commission’s constructive engagement with the company.
My question is specific to the Government's vaccination roll-out strategy, particularly the fourth vaccine candidate from Janssen and Johnson & Johnson. Most of the Deputies present may not be aware but it will only require one injection rather than the usual two. Were it to be approved, it would greatly accelerate and simplify the vaccine roll-out process. The US Food and Drug Administration is likely to approve this vaccine candidate in the next ten days or so.
From his European contacts, does the Taoiseach have any visibility as to when Johnson & Johnson will submit its literature concerning this vaccine candidate to the European Medicines Agency for approval? If the Taoiseach has any thoughts on this, it would be much appreciated.
Comment on this
I agree with Deputy Berry in terms of the significance of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, particularly if it emerges that one jab would be sufficient in terms of its efficacy. From my understanding, it will be early April when it comes to authorisation by the European Medicines Agency. It could happen that it comes earlier but that is the timeline that I have right now. It may improve.
The European Commission's engagement with Johnson & Johnson is a professional one and one with which it is satisfied in terms of the engagement with the company, its commitment to delivery schedules and so forth. There is no doubt that it is an important development in the mass vaccination of our population.