Pfizer Asks FDA to Approve Its COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use

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The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is formally requesting federal approval for emergency use of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine

Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

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Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

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On Thursday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told NPR’s All Things Considered that once the vaccine receives federal authorization for emergency use, «we will be ready to start distributing our vaccine within hours.»

The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech is not alone. The American biotech company Moderna announced Monday that its own COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing illness following exposure to the coronavirus.

Moderna is also expected to file a request with the FDA to begin emergency use.

• Pfizer vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• pfizer
• Food and Drug Administration