The Covid-19 Vaccine Janssen has been given regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Janssen is the fourth vaccine to be authorised by the UK’s independent regulator and is the first to be approved for protection against coronavirus with a single dose. The vaccine was 85 per cent effective in stopping severe illness from coronavirus in trials and has met expected safety standards.

The government has said that 20 million doses have been ordered for the UK and will arrive later this year.

Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive, said: “We have undertaken a thorough review of the conditional marketing authorisation application submitted by Janssen, including the information on quality, safety and effectiveness. I am pleased to confirm today that this authorisation has been granted. This is encouraging news for the public and the healthcare sector. We now have four safe and effective vaccines approved to help protect us from Covid-19.

“Our work does not end here. We are continually monitoring all Covid-19 vaccines in use once they have been approved to ensure that the benefits in protecting people against the disease continue to outweigh any risks. The safety of the public will always come first – you can be absolutely sure of our commitment to this.”

The MHRA approval authorises the use of the vaccine in people aged 18 and over. The Janssen Vaccine is likely to be used as a booster jab for care home residents ahead of winter because it can be easily stored and transported at fridge temperatures.