One-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrives but booster likely needed, doctor says

The single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is now available in Saskatchewan, but it may not be one and done if people want to stay fully protected in the long run.

Infectious disease physician Dr. Alex Wong told the Greg Morgan Morning Show that similar to other viral vector vaccines like AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson wanes quicker.

He stressed that just like all the approved COVID vaccines, Johnson & Johnson does maintain great protection after six months against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

“Your protection specifically against symptomatic infection does come down over the course of six months, which is why boosters are now being recommended across the board,” said Wong.

For those who’ve had one dose of Johnson & Johnson or two doses of AstraZeneca, Wong recommends getting an mRNA vaccine as a booster shot, likely after the six-month period.

“That’s probably where we’re headed right now to help prevent more infections going through into the wintertime,” said Wong.

Wong said Saskatchewan is still not at a point where we have a high enough vaccination rate to reach herd immunity and go back to normal.

He worries about a fifth wave over the winter and said when the waning immunity is combined with relaxed health measures, that’s when jurisdictions see big surges and the need to bring back restrictions.

“We don’t want to keep bouncing back and forth that way,” said Wong. “That’s why for me personally, I think it’s critically important that we maintain the measures that we have.”

Kids could help raise Saskatchewan’s vaccination rate once Pfizer’s vaccine for those aged five to 11 is approved. Reports say Health Canada is expected to give the green light on Friday.

“It’s going to be critical to get everybody vaccinated as quickly as possible to prevent that fifth wave,” said Wong. “But in the meantime, don’t rely just on vaccines. Make sure that you maintain your public health measures.”