With multiple vaccines available to protect against COVID-19, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given full approval to one of the options.  

Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says the FDA has given approval of the Pfizer vaccine, now known as Comirnaty, to all those who are 16-years-old and over. 

“The newly FDA approved Comirnaty and the previously emergency authorized Pfizer vaccines have exactly the same formulation. So, this is the final step in the approval process for that medicine.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio with the full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, those who may have been hesitant because they felt the vaccine was rushed, this is the proof they need to know the vaccine is safe to use. 

“Now is your moment. The FDA has gone through all the process and so for this particular vaccine you can feel confident that they have taken all the steps to approve. So, please get vaccinated against COVID to protect both yourself from severe symptoms and protect those who are under age 12 who cannot get vaccinated.”

Cochran says the Pfizer vaccine is still authorized under emergency use for those who are ages 12-15 and for the administration of a third dose for immunocompromised individuals.