FDA Vote Brings Us One Step Closer To COVID Vaccine

An advisory panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration just voted 17-4 to endorse the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, giving FDA leaders the green light to authorize emergency mass distribution. This couldn’t come at a better time as there is an ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases all over the country.

The committee was entrusted with voting on the following question: “Based on the totality of scientific evidence available, do the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine outweigh its risk for use in individuals 16 years of age and older?”

There were several committee members who did not agree with the aspect of approving the vaccine for use in children due to limited evidence. Others argue that 16- and 17-year-olds would not be first in line to receive the vaccine, which would allow more time for research into the potential effects on this age group.

The long-awaited meeting included members of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research advisory committee, Pfizer representatives, and outside vaccine experts. After only Canada, the United Kingdom, and Bahrain the United States was the next to approve the emergency use of Phizer’s coronavirus vaccine.

Even though this would be a huge step in the effort to end the pandemic, it’s important to remember that the committee’s vote in favor of the EUA is not yet final. Now, the officials with the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research will review the vote and ultimately decide if the vaccine is ready for the public.