But Pfizer/BioNTech announced Friday they have initiated an application to the agency for full FDA approval of their vaccine for people 16 and older -- making it the first Covid-19 vaccine in the US to be assessed for full approval from the FDA.
The FDA "will move as expeditiously as possible," without compromising its safety standards, to assess Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for approval, White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients said Friday.More than 151 million Americans -- roughly 45.6% of the US population -- have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.J&J pause 'cast a shadow' on vaccinationsOne factor that may have contributed to the slowing vaccinations was the recommended pause on the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, one expert said Saturday.Over seven days, the J&J vaccine accounted for just about 3.5% of total doses administered, according to data published Friday by the CDC.Boosters will likely be a reality, expert saysMeanwhile, the CDC is preparing for seasonal Covid-19 vaccine boosters in case they are needed, its chief said Friday, adding researchers are also looking into whether the US will need a booster that specifically works against certain coronavirus variants."We want to be prepared for them should we need them."
Potential Covid-19 boosters could be offered in a similar way to the annual flu vaccine, Walensky said.