March 1, 2021
The FAA on Feb. 27 approved the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, known as the Jansen COVID-19 vaccine, for use by pilots, air traffic controllers and others with medical clearances.
Following the Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization, the agency’s action adds a third option for pilots, increasing the number of vaccinations available for frontline and essential employees. NBAA welcomed the agency’s decision – the latest in a series of initiatives that have helped the industry confront the pandemic.
“The FAA’s continued, rapid response to COVID vaccination availability will ensure that business aviation pilots have as much flexibility as possible for receiving one of the three vaccine variants,” said Doug Carr, NBAA’s vice president for regulatory and international affairs. “As everyone knows, these vaccinations are essential to halting the spread of COVID-19.”
As with FAA’s previous approvals for vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine also requires a “48-hour no fly/no safety-related duty” interval following the injection. Included with FAA’s policy statement is a reminder for pilots that they are “prohibited from performing flight crew member duties…if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.”
“We commend the FAA for its continued partnership with our sector, not just on vaccines, but on a host of considerations our industry has confronted in this highly challenging pandemic moment,” Carr said. “The agency’s leadership in providing a number of vaccine options ensures pilots aren’t forced to choose between job security and personal health.”
View the FAA policy statement regarding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.