(from the Hill, Washington Post and NBOA) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday granted the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine full approval for those 16 years and older in a highly anticipated move that’s expected to boost vaccinations and spark more mandates nationwide, including at schools and universities. It is the first complete authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine after an approximately three-month review of Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech’s application to the FDA for full approval. The FDA's emergency use authorization will remain in place at this time for those between the ages of 12 and 15. The emergency use authorization also still applies for a third dose for immunocompromised people. Unlike an emergency clearance, an approval lasts indefinitely, unless an unexpected side effect develops.
Some independent schools have written into their agreements and contracts that employees and/or students must receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it is fully approved, and other schools are considering the move. Schools are advised to consult directly with their legal counsel as to whether and how this will impact their schools.
More from the Hill and the Washington Post
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