March 4, 2021
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the first single-shot COVID vaccine available in the U.S.
What Happened?
The House, led by Democrats, narrowly passed a $1.9 trillion relief bill that did not raise the minimum wage. A margin of 219-212 passed it, with two Democrats joining Republicans in opposing the bill.
What is in the bill?
What’s Next?
The most pressing issue for Democrats is the $15 minimum wage. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claims that Democrats will use another plan to pass it if necessary.
What Happened?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine. Johnson & Johnson will be providing 100 million doses by the end of June if all goes as planned.
How Effective Is This Vaccine?
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has a reported 72% effectiveness in the U.S. clinical trial site. Compared to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, it falls short, with the former two having 95% efficacy. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does have a 100% efficacy rate against hospitalizations and death and 85% against “severe” forms of COVID-19.
When Will It Be Available?
The vaccine’s shipments started to go out on Mar. 1, and Mar. 2 is when deliveries are arriving. Johnson & Johnson aims to ship out 4 million doses by the end of this week and 16 more million by the end of March.
What’s Happening?
COVID-19 cases and deaths have been declining since January. However, new data suggest a slow decline and a possible stoppage in the decline altogether due to mutant strains.
Mutant Strains?
As a virus reproduces, mutations occur and produce more or less dangerous forms of itself. These mutations have the possibility of being highly resistant or even immune to vaccines.
The Main Players
Conclusion:
Although it may seem like everything is about to be back to normal, we all need to stay safe and be cautious. New mutations of COVID-19 are already shaking things up, and the last thing we need is more chaos.
