(WWJ) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday fully approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, and health experts say this could lead to more people getting their shots.
So, have many Michiganders been holding out...just waiting for that official stamp of approval?
While it's not yet clear if that's the case, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she's hoping that full approval will lead to an uptick in the vaccination rate in the state.
“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan,” said Whitmer, in a statement. “The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.
"If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”
Related
Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for Michigan, echoed the governor's sentiment, calling full FDA approval "an exciting milestone" in the battle against COVID-19.
"Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA,” said Khaldun. “While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able."
The vaccine from Pfizer and partner BioNTech is the first to go from emergency use authorization to full approval in the U.S.
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to all U.S. residents. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find out where to get vaccinated near you.
Related
