MSSNY Statement on FDA Full Use Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2021 

MSSNY Statement on FDA Full Use Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Statement attributable to:
Joseph R. Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
President
Medical Society of the State of New York

“The Medical Society of the State of New York welcomes and supports the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s full use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and we continue to be grateful for the science that has made this vaccine a reality. We again encourage patients with questions about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine to speak with their trusted physician.

“The importance of getting every eligible American vaccinated against this deadly virus cannot be overstated. Our hope is that the country takes another important step forward in changing the face of the COVID-19 pandemic with the full approval of the Pfizer vaccine and that those Americans who did not have confidence in the emergency authorization of the vaccine will now roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated unless their physician documents a contraindication.

“We hope that the full approval of the vaccine will make it easier for schools and workplaces to require vaccination against the coronavirus. As American children head back into the classroom, it is more important than ever to immunize those who are eligible. Since young children are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine themselves, we must do everything we can to keep them—and their vulnerable family members—safe and healthy.

“MSSNY and its physicians are committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers are immunized against this deadly virus.  Throughout the years, vaccines have saved lives and we are confident that the COVID-19 vaccines will help us end this pandemic.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.


Media Contact:
Julie Vecchione
VP, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext. 302
jvecchione@mssny.org