Share this article The Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says it is 'really welcome news' that a coronavirus vaccine being developed by Johnson & Johnson has been submitted for approval to the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ireland has an Advance Purchase Agreement for 2.2 million doses of the drug. The EMA says it could make a decision on the single-shot vaccine by the middle of next month. However, this is assuming the data relating to its efficacy, safety and quality are comprehensive and robust. The Janssen drug has been shown to be 66% effective against COVID-19. Johnson & Johnson is the parent company of Janssen, both of which have Irish operations.