Jane Garibay

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine full approval today, becoming the first vaccine to receive complete authorization following a comprehensive review by the agency, using the extensive data provided as well as conducting their own analyses.

The vaccine, which is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will now be marketed as Comirnaty. It is FDA-approved for anyone 16 years of age and older for the prevention of COVID-19.  The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

Today's announcement is likely welcomed news for those in Connecticut and nationwide who have been somewhat skeptical about the vaccine, that despite its success rate, was being administered under the FDA's emergency use authorization.

As of today, 2.32 million – or 65.1 percent – of Connecticut residents have been vaccinated. While this is certainly better than other states, we can and must do better. Now is the time!

To find out how to get a COVID-19 vaccine, click here. If you need to find a vaccine provider near you, please click here.