Top in ID: Johnson & Johnson vaccine, future viral threats

Last week, prior to the emergency use authorization of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA announced no issues during its review of the single-dose shot. It was the top story in infectious disease.

In other FDA news, the agency’s advisory panel voted unanimously to endorse the vaccine after analyzing the clinical trial data and discussing the vaccine with physicians and public representatives. The vaccine was found to be 100% effective in preventing hospitalization from COVID-19.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

FDA review supports Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use

The FDA reviewed data on Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot COVID-19 vaccine and found no issues that would prevent its emergency use authorization, according to a briefing document. Read more.

‘Another huge milestone’: FDA panel endorses one-shot J&J vaccine

An FDA advisory panel voted unanimously Friday to recommend authorizing a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States, potentially changing the landscape of the nation’s response. Read more.

Q&A: After COVID-19, what is ‘the next threat’?

Prior to COVID-19, experts frequently warned that it was not a matter of if, but when the world would experience its next pandemic. Read more.

Rapid vaccine rollout in Israel leads to sharp decline in severe COVID-19

A rapid vaccine rollout in Israel that prioritized older adults led to 67% decline in the ratio of COVID-19 patients aged 70 years or older who required mechanical ventilation compared with patients younger than 50 years, a study showed. Read more.

IDSA updates guidance to support use of tocilizumab for COVID-19

The Infectious Diseases Society of America has backed the use of tocilizumab for COVID-19. Read more.