Pfizer Seeks Emergency Approval for Highly Effective COVID-19 Vaccine
Pfizer officially asks U.S. regulators for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine, which shows 95% effectiveness. Limited vaccine supplies could reach Americans by next month.
Pfizer asks U.S. regulators to approve the emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, a move that potentially brings the first limited shots to Americans by next month. This request follows recent data showing the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe illness. The company is also submitting rolling applications to regulators in Europe and the U.K.
The FDA and its independent advisers now begin reviewing the data to determine if the shots are ready for public distribution. If approved, a separate government committee decides how to ration the initially scarce supplies. Approximately 25 million doses are available in December, followed by 30 million in January and 35 million more in February and March.
Despite the promising development, health experts urge the public to maintain strict safety measures as the coronavirus continues to surge. Dr. Anthony Fauci warns that it is too early to abandon masks and social distancing, emphasizing the need to double down on public health precautions. Meanwhile, competitor Moderna plans to seek similar emergency authorization for its equally effective vaccine in the coming weeks.