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LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A third vaccine could be on the way after trials around the world, including here in Kentucky.
Baptist Health Lexington was one of the places where the vaccine was studied. Dr David Dougherty helped run the trial there.
“Overall, the effectiveness in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19 was 66%,” he said. “In the United States it was 72%, overall, including all of these sites, it was 85% effective in preventing severe COVID-19 by day 28.
He said the main objective of the trial had been achieved.
“It showed complete protection against hospitalization and death, this is the biggest result of the trial,” said Dr. Dougherty.
Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine has a lower efficacy rate than Pfizer and Moderna.
“I don’t want people to wait for a vaccine, to get the Pfizer or the Moderna if they have the Johnson and Johnson vaccine available because we need as many people vaccinated as possible,” said Dr Dougherty.
He explained that this plan could facilitate the deployment.
“It can be stored easily, at normal refrigerator temperature for at least three months, that means… you’re going to have tons of vaccination sites that will be able to handle this,” he said.
This vaccine requires a single dose.
“You don’t have to postpone someone to come back, worry about giving them the wrong vaccine when they come back, you can vaccinate twice as many people,” Dr Dougherty said.
He said that among the 243 participants in Baptist Health Lexington’s clinical trials, many had minor or no side effects.
“A lot of people were surprised to get the vaccine,” he said. “It was so light and few serious reactions.”
Dr Dougherty said Johnson and Johnson are also looking for a possible second dose of his vaccine. He said the hope was that it would boost immunity even further.
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