City Of San Antonio: Metro Health Statement Regarding FDA Approval Of Pfizer Vaccine

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

August 23, 2021

CONTACT: covid19media@sanantonio.gov
Rudy Arispe: (210) 207-8172

SAN ANTONIO (August 23, 2021) – “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval today to the Pfizer vaccine, which is welcomed news to the team at Metro Health. COVID vaccines are safe, they are effective against the Delta variant, and they offer strong protection from the worst effects of COVID, once an individual is two weeks past their final dose,” said Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob.

“Metro Health hopes the FDA’s approval will encourage individuals to take the time to get vaccinated today, especially those who have been waiting for the final approval by our federal agencies,” Jacob added.

“San Antonio and Bexar County residents can feel confident in the FDA’s rigorous approval process. The Pfizer vaccine has been shown to be 91% effective in individuals ages 16 and older. Vaccines remain our most effective tool in keeping you, your loved ones and our community safe as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the disruptions caused by this pandemic,” Jacob said.

For a list of COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinics near you, visit https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Vaccination#get-vaccinated. As a reminder, the Alamodome drive-through clinic is open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays. No appointment necessary.

Read the FDA’s press release here.

According to the FDA, the full approval of the vaccine applies to those who are 16 years of age and older. The Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) will continue to cover the 12-15 year old age group. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet on August 30 to determine if it will update any additional recommendations for the Pfizer vaccine.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.