Canada clears J&J, first to approve 4 vax

Toronto: Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent Covid-19 as the country’s health regulator has cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two, officials said Friday.

Health experts are eager for a one-and-done option to help speed vaccination. Canada has also approved vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca and Health Canada is the first major regulator to approve four difference vaccines, said Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada’s chief medical adviser.

Canada has pre-purchased 10 million Johnson & Johnson doses, with options to buy another 28 million. It was not immediately clear when Canada would get its first shipment. One dose was 85% protective against the most severe Covid-19 illness in a massive study that spanned three continents. The US had approved the Johnson & Johnson vaccine last month. AP