IMPORTANT—Update Regarding Expiration Dates for the Janssen Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

This message was sent to AIM, FAB, Health Systems, INE, IAP, LHD Health Officers, LHD Medical Directors, MACI, MACI 2, PH Imms Leads, COVID-19 Vaccine Providers, MCIR Regions, and Imms All Staff. I apologize for any duplications.

 

Hello COVID-19 Vaccine Providers,

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources (MDHHS) would like to alert our COVID-19 vaccine providers that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized an extension of the shelf life for the Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine from three months to four and a half months. The FDA’s decision is based on data from ongoing stability studies that demonstrated the vaccine is stable at 4.5 months when kept at refrigerated temperatures of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Johnson and Johnson will update expiration dates on www.vaxcheck.jnj.

Michigan COVID-19 providers who have the Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, vaccine in their inventory should visit www.vaxcheck.jnj to confirm the latest expiration date for the vaccine.

The expiration dates will need to be adjusted in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR). Guidance on How to Correct the Expiration Date in the MCIR and other MCIR COVID-19 providers  resources can be found by visiting the MCIR COVID-19 Provider Website.

Even with this extended timeframe every effort should be made to use this vaccine as soon as possible. MDHHS is sending out an email regarding Strategies to Maximize Vaccination Opportunities and Minimize Wasted Doses of Vaccine.

Remember to always check the expiration date prior to preparing or administering vaccine. As the expiration date draws near, be sure to check the manufacturer expiration lookup again for the most up-to-date information because as additional stability data become available, expiration dates may change.

Additional guidance on expired/expiring COVID-19 vaccine was sent out in an email at the end of May from MDHHS. The email “COVID-19 Vaccine Education Corner-Expired/Expiring COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance” contains information on expiration dates, preventing expired vaccine, reporting and disposal.

Resources:
MDHHS Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CDC Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, COVID-19 Vaccine

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for all your hard work to protect Michiganders from vaccine-preventable diseases!

-The Immunization Nurse Education Team,
Andrea, Heidi, Maria, Sarah, and Terri