FDA grants historic authorization to a Covid-19 vaccine, setting stage for rollout
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency authorization for a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, a seminal moment in the effort to curb a pandemic that has so far infected an estimated 16 million people and killed nearly 300,000 in the United States.
The decision means vaccinations will begin in a matter of days in individuals 16 years of age or older, though the FDA said the vaccine should not be given to individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component. Such reactions were reported once vaccinations began outside of clinical trials in other countries. Initial supplies of the two-dose vaccine are expected to be used primarily in two groups most at risk of getting infected or developing severe disease: health care providers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
https://www.statnews.com/2020/12/11/fda-grants-historic-authorization-to-a-covid-19-vaccine-setting-stage-for-rollout/