Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

February 27, 2021

Today, after a rigorous, open, and objective scientific review process, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for a third safe and effective vaccine to help us defeat the COVIDâ19 pandemic: the Janssen COVIDâ19 (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. This is exciting news for all Americans, and an encouraging development in our efforts to bring an end to the crisis.

We know that the more people get vaccinated, the faster we will overcome the virus, get back to our friends and loved ones, and get our economy back on track. Thanks to the brilliance of our scientists, the resilience of our people, and the eagerness of Americans in every community to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated, we are moving in the right direction. I look forward to speaking more about today's news and updating the American people on our progress this coming week.

But I want to be clear: this fight is far from over. Though we celebrate today's news, I urge all Americans: Keep washing your hands, stay socially distanced, and keep wearing masks. As I have said many times, things are still likely to get worse again as new variants spread, and the current improvement could reverse. My administration will not make the mistake of taking this threat lightly or just assuming the best. That's why we need the American Rescue Plan to keep this fight going in the months ahead.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot let our guard down now or assume that victory is inevitable. We must continue to remain vigilant, act fast and aggressively, and look out for one another. That is how we are going to reach that light together.

Categories: Statements by the President : Johnson and Johnson COVIDâ19 vaccine, Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization.

Subjects: Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; Health and Human Services, Department of : Food and Drug Administration.

DCPD Number: DCPD202100176.

1