Panel Says Yes to FDA approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 Vaccine

 

Get your pin cushion arm ready for the shots heard around the world because an important U.S. expert panel has approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  This action  opens the door for final FDA approval which is now expected within the next few days.

The advisory group voted a decisive 17-4 for the drug approval that is being reported at 95% effective in stopping the spread of the virus.  Their vote was that the drug was safe to be administered to those 16 and older.  Forecasts from key health officials are aiming to have at least 70 percent of the US population inoculated by early spring.

The inoculation would be the first approved in the United States against the virus, which has killed nearly 300,000 Americans.

One of the key debatable points was if those 16 and 17 years old should be allowed to take a shot in the arm when it comes to this vaccine.   The study thus far, some members pointed out, did not include much information about these youth.

But in the end approval was given resulting in Pfizer requesting emergency use authorization for its two-dose vaccine in people aged 16 to 85.

Another key point discussed was the warning from Britishs officials that individuals with “significant” allergic reactions may not be able to get vaccinated.  Two people who received the COVID-19 shot in the UK on Tuesday suffered severe allergic reactions to it.