The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson, which requires one dose, is available to the American public under provisions of an emergency use authorization issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FAA recently released this statement:
Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the single dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour “No Fly/No Safety-Related Duty” interval must be observed after the injection.
The 48-hour no-fly restriction is the same as was issued for the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines, both of which have been approved for use by pilots. Individuals holding an Airman Medical Certificate are reminded that they are prohibited from performing flight crewmember duties if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.
Anecdotal reports from those who have taken the two previously approved vaccines indicate side effects in the first 48 hours that may make it difficult to perform their duties. As more vaccines become available, it is expected that more pilots will move into the eligible category. Essential workers are receiving the vaccines; however, it varies from state to state as to who is eligible at any given point. Check with your state or local Department of Health for more information. For more information from NAAA on the pandemic and how to prevent it from negatively affecting your business, consult the COVID-19 Resources page on the NAAA website.
