Pfizer vaccine receives FDA approval – Houston Medical is hopeful

America is seeing its second worst COVID-19 spike since it first made landfall on U.S. soil in March of 2020, only falling short of the spike that hit in January and February of this year. In Houston County alone, as of Monday afternoon, there are 140 hospitalized COVID-19 patients being treated at various levels at both Houston Medical and the Perry Hospital. That only falls 15 short of Houston County’s January peak of 155, when there was more staff available to do the necessary life-saving work needed.

Currently, there are three vaccines that have received emergency approval to fight against the spread of COVID-19: the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the vaccine produced by Johnson & Johnson. When these vaccines first became obtainable for public use, many rejoiced as it was made available to their age group. However, many others felt that the vaccine would not be safe for use until it received full, non-emergent approval from the FDA. As of Monday, August 23, the Pfizer vaccine has finally reached that milestone. Also on Monday, Houston County was able to report that 55,127 of its residents, 36% of its total population, has been fully vaccinated. Dr. Phillip Gilbert, Director of Pharmacy at Houston Healthcare reports that they hope to see that number grow higher with this additional “layer of confidence” entrusted to the Pfizer vaccine.

“We’re excited. I think this gives us another layer of confidence we can share with our patients, our staff, the public. The FDA approval is really the golden standard, and even other countries look to that standard for the drug-evaluation process. I think it gives everyone more confidence, and that’s the feedback we’ve received,” Gilbert said. “This is just more credibility of how effective and safe this vaccine really is. I think this is only going to improve the vaccination rates.”

Data sources from the Georgia Department of Public Health shows that many of the older data groups in Houston County, those 65 and older, have nearly all received their vaccines, while it has been those 54 and younger who remain under the 50% threshold. With this FDA approval, Gilbert expects that Houston County may see a larger influx of those looking to be vaccinated than the slow incremental growth that it has previously seen.

“There’s been more time and date available to be reviewed now by the FDA. I think some of those people who were on the fence initially saying it was too soon—I’m thinking this will influence more people to reconsider.”

Several times, Gilbert called FDA approval of a drug or vaccine the “gold standard.” Gilbert went on to explain that it is due to the FDA’s rigorous process for approval. “[The drug review process in the U.S. is] a very rigorous and structured process. It’s similar to the EUA, because the EUA is still a rigorous process,” Gilbert said. “FDA approval really just allows for more time and more data that is available for review. Initially, the FDA was only monitoring patients for follow-up for just a few months, whereas the FDA approval requires more time. It’s closer to usually to six months.” Gilbert explained that the FDA reviews the manufacturing process, several documents regarding the scientific process in creating the drug or vaccine.

With this approval though, it is unlikely that the Moderna vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine won’t follow suit shortly after. Gilbert said that he feels within the next few months, both should receive the same.

HHJ News