FDA grants historic authorization to a Covid-19 vaccine, setting stage for rollout
The Food and Drug Administration on Friday issued an emergency authorization for a Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, a seminal moment in the effort to curb a pandemic that has so far infected an estimated 16 million people and killed nearly 300,000 in the United States.
The decision means vaccinations will begin in a matter of days in individuals age 16 years of age or older. Initial supplies of the vaccine are expected to be used primarily in two groups most at risk of getting infected or developing severe disease: health care providers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
