Following Pfizer FDA Approval, RI Leaders Renew Vaccine Calls

PROVIDENCE, RI — Following the announcement that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee and top state officials are renewing their call to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"To anyone who was on the fence, the science is crystal clear. These vaccines are safe, and they are very effective at keeping people healthy," McKee said. "It is time. It is time to protect yourself. It is time to protect your family. It is time to get vaccinated. We have vaccination opportunities available in communities across Rhode Island. If you have not gotten your shot, get vaccinated today."

The authorization for the two-dose vaccine applies to people 16 years old and up. Full authorization for the Moderna vaccine is expected to come in the next few weeks. Both have had emergency-use authorization since December.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said that it's "undeniable that the COVID-19 vaccines save lives."

"The FDA did an extremely thorough review of this vaccine and reaffirmed that it absolutely was safe," Alexander-Scott said. "If you are eligible, get vaccinated today to protect you and your family. It’s easier than it has ever been before."

To receive full FDA approval, companies must prove the safety and effectiveness by submitting clinical data, information on manufacturing processes, safety reports, and data and background in many other areas. To date, 90 million of the 170 million people vaccinated against COVID-19 in the U.S. have received Pfizer doses.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you using Rhode Island's vaccine scheduling portal.

‌ ‌ ‌