The FDA’s Report On The Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Is Turning Heads
Pool/Getty Images By Hope Ngo/Dec. 8, 2020 10:21 am EST
While those at higher risk from coronavirus — including frontline health care workers and the elderly — line up to get their COVID-19 shots in the United Kingdom, the FDA released its first analysis of clinical trial data on the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech in the United States. The FDA says its findings confirm that the shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus within 10 days of the first dose, and that the vaccine worked well, independent of a volunteer’s age, race, and weight. While it didn’t trigger any serious side effects, those who get the shot can expect to develop side effects that include aches and fevers (via The New York Times).
Reuters points out however, that there isn’t enough data to determine whether the vaccine could safely be given to children under the age of 16, pregnant women, as well as people whose immune systems were compromised. There is also no evidence to show how well the first dose might protect someone against COVID-19, which is why the second dose is so important. Still, the FDA indicates that the data on the vaccine submitted to the agency complied with its guidelines on emergency use authorization. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is the same one currently being administered in Britain.
The FDA’s Report On The Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Is Turning Heads
Pool/Getty Images
By Hope Ngo/Dec. 8, 2020 10:21 am EST
While those at higher risk from coronavirus — including frontline health care workers and the elderly — line up to get their COVID-19 shots in the United Kingdom, the FDA released its first analysis of clinical trial data on the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech in the United States. The FDA says its findings confirm that the shot provides strong protection against the coronavirus within 10 days of the first dose, and that the vaccine worked well, independent of a volunteer’s age, race, and weight. While it didn’t trigger any serious side effects, those who get the shot can expect to develop side effects that include aches and fevers (via The New York Times).
Reuters points out however, that there isn’t enough data to determine whether the vaccine could safely be given to children under the age of 16, pregnant women, as well as people whose immune systems were compromised. There is also no evidence to show how well the first dose might protect someone against COVID-19, which is why the second dose is so important. Still, the FDA indicates that the data on the vaccine submitted to the agency complied with its guidelines on emergency use authorization. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is the same one currently being administered in Britain.
Reuters points out however, that there isn’t enough data to determine whether the vaccine could safely be given to children under the age of 16, pregnant women, as well as people whose immune systems were compromised. There is also no evidence to show how well the first dose might protect someone against COVID-19, which is why the second dose is so important. Still, the FDA indicates that the data on the vaccine submitted to the agency complied with its guidelines on emergency use authorization. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is the same one currently being administered in Britain.
