Colorado Set To Receive Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Doses By Friday

Colorado's first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine is expected to arrive by Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said. The state's first allotment is set to include 45,500 doses.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Saturday the single-shot COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The vaccine is from Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by Johnson & Johnson. The company has pledged to provide the country with 100 million doses by the end of June.

“We are thrilled to be able to distribute a third safe and effective vaccine in the state of Colorado,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, Colorado Department Public Health Environment.

“The authorization of the Janssen vaccine will make it easier for the state to reach its vaccination goals as more people become eligible in the weeks to come. When it’s your turn to get a vaccine — whether it’s Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen — I hope you choose to get it. With every dose administered, we are all safer and closer to ending this crisis.”

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The FDA’s authorization comes after a series of clinical trials that showed the Janssen vaccine is safe and effective. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which each require two doses, the Janssen vaccine requires only one dose.

None of the authorized vaccines is recommended over any other, Colorado public health officials said.

Coloradans ages 60 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1B3 on Friday. The new phase will also include Coloradans ages 16 to 59 who have two or more high-risk conditions, agriculture workers and grocery store workers:

Coloradans ages 50 and older will be eligible to get vaccinated by late March, Polis said.

>> Learn more about how to get vaccinated here.