Multiple media outlets have reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will formally approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 within the next week. The New York Times has reported that the approval could be issued as early as Monday. Meanwhile, CNN has simply reported that the approval is “imminent.”
Thus far, United States health providers have distributed three COVID-19 vaccines to American citizens. Shortly after COVID-19 vaccines were distributed to the public, the Johnson & Johnson manufactured vaccine was pulled. Still, the FDA’s emergency use authorization allows for the administration of the Pfizer and Moderna manufactured vaccines.
At the beginning of the year, the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination rate skyrocketed before tailing off in April. Recent spikes in COVID-19 related hospitalizations have been tied to another rise in COVID-19 vaccinations. Moving forward, members of the Biden administration are hopeful that full approval of the FDA will lead to a steady rise in COVID-19 vaccinations. Not to mention, the Biden Administration is currently pushing for the administration of COVID-19 booster shots this fall.
NEW: The FDA is preparing to give full approval of the Pfizer vaccine as early as Monday. Per @noahweiland at the @nytimes.
— Andy Slavitt ??? (@ASlavitt) August 20, 2021
