Study Shows Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Developed Less Delta Antibodies Than Other Shots

A recent experiment analyzing Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot vaccine found out that it produced a not-so-severe antibody response against the Delta variant compared to Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. However, experts believe that it will probably still do fine against the new variant in real-world conditions.

About The Study

Researchers from the New York University harvested blood from eight Moderna-vaccinated individuals, nine people who got Pfizer shots, and 10 J&J injected people, a preprint version of the study suggests.

The scientists compared the antibody response against the Delta variant of all three categories.

The results were interesting – the Moderna and Pfizer group presented a three times lower immune response against delta than the regular variant.

However, for the J&J-vaccinated individuals, the response was approximately 5.4 times lower, the authors added.

According to the study’s authors, the lower antibody response for the J&J shot “could result in decreased protection.”

Statistics suggest that over nine million American citizens got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The Delta variant is the most prevalent cause of new infections in the United States. The most frightening detail about it is that it is 50% more infectious than the Alpha variant, the former most dominant strain. It also presents mutations that can help it skip immune responses.

Dr. Ned Landau, the study’s leader, stated in an interview with CNBC that the discovery suggests that J&J vaccinated people “should at least consider” the second dose of a similar vaccine produced by another company (Pfizer or Moderna).

However, some scientists are skeptical regarding the findings of the small lab study, which hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet.