The European Medicines Agency is expected to clear the way for the European Commission to approve the Covid-19 vaccine made by Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, later today.
It will be the fourth vaccine against the coronavirus approved for use in Europe. The Government is expecting that Ireland will receive 600,000 doses of this new vaccine during the second half of the year.
The jab requires just one single shot and is therefore quicker and easier to administer than the vaccines already in use. It is also easier to transport as it does not have to be frozen and is effective for all age groups.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved it 12 days ago, with the European Medicines Agency expected to follow suit later today.