US : FDA grants full approval to Pfizer's Covid vaccine

The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday fully approved Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, public health officials expect the approval will convince some people who remain undecided about the vaccine to get the shot.<br /><br />“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />The Covid vaccine, which may now be marketed under its brand name Comirnaty, is the first to receive full approval.<br /><br />Tens of millions of shots have already been administered under an emergency use authorization (EUA) that was granted on December 11, 2020.<br /><br />The decision to award it approval was based on updated data from the drug’s clinical trial, including a longer duration of follow-up, with safety and effectiveness evaluated among more than 40,000 people.<br /><br />The US military has previously announced it will mandate the vaccine as soon as it receives full approval, and a slew of private businesses and universities are expected to follow.<br /><br />The vaccine remains available under emergency use authorization to children aged 12 to 15.