On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine to be given to individuals 16 y/o and older. The vaccine will still be available for emergency use for individuals between the ages of 12-15, and the third vaccine will be used for individuals that are immunocompromised.
The FDA hopes that the approval of the Pfizer vaccine will encourage more individuals to get vaccinated, and less people to be afraid of receiving the vaccine.
“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,” said FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock M.D. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.”
The FDA encourages for everyone to continue to receive the vaccine now that Pfizer is FDA approved. Emergency use may be required during certain matters, but the FDA hopes that everyone will now feel safer about receiving the vaccine.