Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine receives full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While the vaccine has long been accepted and proven as safe and effective against the virus, it has operated under an “emergency use authorization” since December 2020. 

The FDA gave formal approval to the Pfizer vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 16 or older. The emergency use authorization continues to apply to 12 to 15 year olds and for the administration of a third dose for immunocompromised individuals. 

In a statement, Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., hailed the approval as a milestone. “The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said Woodcock. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” 

For an explanation of the FDA’s approval process, visit the FDA website. 

The Kentucky Chamber recently launched a new initiative, COVID Stops Here, aimed at encouraging more Kentuckians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and recognizing workplaces that have achieved widespread vaccination. Vaccinations are critical to stopping the virus and preventing another economic downturn. Read more about the initiative here.