NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Thursday voted to recommend that the federal agency authorize emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
17 members voted yes to recommend the vaccine, 4 voted no and 1 abstained.
The Centers for Biologics Evaluation and Research’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted on the following question: "Based on the totality of scientific evidence available, do the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine outweigh its risks for use in individuals 16 years of age and older?"
The committee virtually met Thursday in open session to discuss emergency use authorization (EUA) of the vaccine. It effectively operates as a "science court," debating the pros and cons of the vaccine.
The FDA is not obligated to follow the committee’s guidance, but it is expected to do so. If it does, the does of the vaccine could be shipped within days, depending how soon the FDA signs off on the committee's recommendation.
The FDA is expected to meet as soon as possible to discuss the advisory panel's recommendation. Then on Sunday, a CDC advisory panel will meet Sunday to discuss its distribution, former CDC Director Dr. Tim Frieden said on CNN Thursday.
The regulators and medical experts kicked off their day of sessions at 9 a.m. and adjourned around 6 p.m. (SEE DOCUMENTS BELOW)