When I heard that the Pfizer vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for those over the age of 16, I was relieved. Many have been hesitant to receive the vaccine due to health and safety concerns. The FDA approval should quell those concerns and incentivize getting vaccinated, which will help keep the population safe as it continues to find its way through this pandemic. 

Back when the vaccine became available to the first few people, I, like many others, was thrilled to see that progress was being made in controlling the pandemic. It seemed apparent to me that once the vaccine was available widespread, people would jump at the chance to receive it. I didn’t account for the fear associated with something new and not approved by the FDA.

Getting vaccinated is essential to keeping the public safe. While there have been fully vaccinated people who’ve gotten COVID-19, the vaccine lessens the effects of the virus. People who don’t get vaccinated put themselves at risk of a severe case of COVID-19, possibly leading to hospitalization. In general, the option of getting vaccinated seems like the best one, with certain exceptions such as certain medical conditions that don’t allow one to receive the vaccine. 

Those who have had concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine shouldn’t have much to worry about now that there is a vaccine option that is FDA-approved and available to everyone. FDA approval means that there is now an expert opinion that has determined that the vaccine is safe and effective. This is different from the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) that initially allowed the public to receive the vaccine because it stated that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks. 

Getting vaccinated doesn’t mean people should stop wearing masks. Vaccinated individuals can still transmit COVID-19, although the transmission is not as likely as it would be between unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated is only one step towards preventing COVID-19, but it is an important one nonetheless. The FDA approving the vaccine only gives more reasons to get vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of Thursday, August 26, 52 percent of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Hopefully, that percentage will increase with the recent FDA approval, providing some consolation to those hesitant towards the vaccine. This is a significant step towards getting COVID-19 under control in the U.S. The FDA approval should help spread the importance of getting vaccinated, and hopefully, it will help the country return to normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.