THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON Covid-19 vaccine has finally received clinical approval to be used by EU nations.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the vaccine the green light as it becomes the fourth coronavirus jab to approved for use.
The news will come as a relief to Ireland, whose vaccine supply has been cut significantly thanks to production issues at AstraZeneca in recent weeks.
Concerns have been growing that Ireland may even have to delay an exit to lockdown due to the vaccine shortfall, but with the announcement of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine approval, those fears will hopefully have been alleviated.
Like the AstraZeneca vaccine, Johnson & Johnson's jab is a single-dose inoculation, meaning that it's far more efficient to store, distribute and administer than the Pfizer and Moderna alternatives.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin called the prospect of single-doese vaccines 'game-changing' as it would allow Ireland to vaccinate those living in rural areas of the country quickly and efficiently.
J & J's vaccine also doesn't need to be stored at ultra freezing temperatures, adding to its logistical benefits.
Ireland is expected to receive around 600,000 doses of the vaccine during the second quarter of the year.
