Janssen Pharmaceuticals submitted data to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support the use of a booster shot of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 18 years of age and older. “Our clinical program has found that a booster of our COVID-19 vaccine increases levels of protection for those who have received our single-shot vaccine to 94 percent. “We look forward to our discussions with the FDA and other health authorities to support their decisions regarding boosters,” head of Janssen’s Research and Development department Mathai Mammen said in a statement on Tuesday. He added: “We continue to recognize that a single-shot of COVID-19 vaccine that provides strong and long-lasting protection remains a crucial component to vaccinating the global population.” Meanwhile, Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Francis Collins announced stepping down from position, after about three decades of service. In a statement published by the White House, US President Joe Biden hailed Dr. Collins’ efforts and achievements, calling him one of the most important scientists of our time. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been found to be 66% protective against moderate and severe disease overall worldwide and 72% protective against such cases in the US. But when a person receives a booster shot two months after getting the pharmaceutical company’s one-dose vaccine, the protection against COVID-19 increased to 94%. A booster shot at six months provided a 12-fold increase in antibodies. The company had previously shared earlier evidence from this trial that people who received its one-shot COVID-19 vaccine could benefit from a booster shot after six months. The information shared Tuesday was part of the company’s Phase 3 trial. Experts have said coronavirus boosters will be needed down the road because the efficacy of these vaccines, including the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna shots, wanes over time. Johnson & Johnson’s trial data provides further support that a COVID-19 booster shot could go a long way in providing continued protection from the virus. “Our single-shot vaccine generates strong immune responses and long-lasting immune memory. And, when a booster of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is given, the strength of protection against COVID-19 further increases,” Mammen said. Pfizer’s own data indicates booster shots can restore its vaccine’s efficacy to 95%. A third dose of the Moderna vaccine, given six months after the initial two doses, also significantly boosts immunity, according to the company’s data. — Agencies