Study: J&J booster provides high levels of protection against omicron

WNYT Staff

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A new study shows the Johnson & Johnson booster provides high levels of protection against the omicron variant and reduces hospitalizations.

The study looked at 69,000 health care workers in South Africa and compared them to a similar group of unvaccinated South Africans.

The data shows an improved protection against hospitalizations from 63% to 85% in areas where the omicron variant is dominant.

This study has yet to be peer reviewed.

Although the FDA has authorized the J&J vaccine as a booster shot, the CDC recommends people get the Moderna or Pfizer booster.

In this March 31, 2021 file photo, a nurse fills a syringe with a dose of the Johnson & Johnson's one-dose COVID-19 vaccine at the Vaxmobile, at the Uniondale Hempstead Senior Center, in Uniondale, N.Y.[AP Photo / Mary Altaffer, File]