Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Receives Permanent FDA Approval
(August 23, 2021) Today, the FDA granted permanent biologic license approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Americans have been receiving the Pfizer vaccine since the FDA granted EUA last December. This permanent approval means the vaccine passed numerous, required safety checks including study of all reported side effects and any adverse reactions. Several months of safety data showed the vaccine is safe and effective. This announcement should ease concerns from people who’ve been hesitant to receive the vaccine while still under emergency use authorization.
The CDC will share more information in the coming days. The FDA is also reviewing Moderna’s application for permanent approval of its vaccine. Johnson and Johnson earned EUA for its vaccine later than Pfizer and Moderna and has not applied for permanent approval from the FDA.
We encourage all colleagues, patients, residents and people in the communities we serve to get vaccinated. Vaccination is an important step to end the COVID-19 pandemic.