On August 23 2021, the FDA officially approved the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 16 years and older (CDC). The vaccine was previously available through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and is still currently available to those aged 12-15 years through EUA. It should be noted that Emergency Use Authorization only cuts bureaucratic red tape and not the necessary research behind developing new vaccines. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are also authorized for emergency use.
In good news, outlets have reported a 17% increase in vaccination rates following the FDA’s official approval of the Pfizer vaccine (ABC).