Federal government to purchase additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine

President Biden, citing the need for maximum flexibility in the nation’s vaccination program, today announced a deal for the U.S. government to purchase an additional 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine.

Johnson & Johnson is working with Merck to increase supply, making such a deal possible.

The purchase doubles the nation’s projected supply of Johnson & Johnson doses, to 200 million. The intent of the purchase is to prepare for long-term supply needs, including the eventual vaccination of children and the possible need for booster shots to protect against COVID-19 variants.