Andover Pfizer Facility Will Produce Coronavirus Vaccine

ANDOVER, MA — Andover will be one of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine manufacturing sites, the company said after it received emergency use authorization Friday.

The company's vaccine was the first to receive the Food and Drug Administration's approval for use in the United States.

Andover is home to a 70-acre Pfizer research, development and manufacturing campus. That site will be one of five production facilities, along with ones in St. Louis, Kalamazoo, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and Puurs, Belgium, the company said.

“As a U.S. company, today's news brings great pride and tremendous joy that Pfizer has risen to the challenge to develop a vaccine that has the potential to help bring an end to this devastating pandemic," Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said. "We have worked tirelessly to make the impossible possible, steadfast in our belief that science will win.”

Massachusetts is expected to receive nearly 60,000 vaccine doses by Tuesday, which will go to health care workers in coronavirus care across the state. The first shipment arrived at Boston Medical Center Monday.

Along with those workers, the first phase of vaccinations, through February, will go to those in long-term care and assisted living facilities, public safety workers, those in congregate care settings including homeless shelters and jails, and other health care workers. Access will then be expanded to those at high-risk for complications, other essential workers and older adults. The vaccine will be available to the general public beginning in April, according to the state plan.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.