FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Statement attributable to:
Ada D. Stewart, MD
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The AAFP applauds the full FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 16 years of age and older following a rigorous review of the quality, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccine. We are optimistic that full approval will improve patients’ confidence in the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the COVID-19 vaccine and help them decide to get vaccinated. Family physicians know that COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection from severe disease and death caused by COVID-19, and the FDA's decision reaffirms that vaccines are safe and are the most effective tool we have to end the pandemic. It is critical that all eligible individuals get their first two doses of the vaccine. This is the best way to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.
“While full approval of the Pfizer vaccine is welcome news, we now turn our sights to expeditiously getting emergency use authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12 as soon as the available evidence supports vaccine safety and efficacy.”
“Family physicians will continue to serve as trusted partners in vaccine education and administration. We trust the science of vaccines and encourage our patients to learn more about vaccines and how getting vaccinated builds a community of immunity at familydoctor.org/vaccines.”
“Hope is on the horizon, but we must remain vigilant. Regardless of vaccination status, it remains critical that we all continue to practice mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing. Working together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and put an end to this pandemic.”
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview with Dr. Stewart, contact Janelle Davis, (913) 912-0377, or jdavis@aafp.org.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 128,300 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.