As expected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed its independent Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommendation to approve an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2, on Dec. 11, 2020. Although workers’ compensation does not typically provide coverage for vaccinations, please be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gave its authorization on Dec. 12, 2020, allowing distribution to begin. Administered as two intramuscular (IM) injections at least three weeks apart, the vaccine is indicated to prevent COVID-19 for individuals age 16 and older. The first vaccine that is based on mRNA, BNT162b2 must be stored at ultra-low temperatures. Under Operation Warp Speed, shipments to more than 600 designated distribution centers began immediately with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) giving priority airspace to planes carrying the vaccine. Initially, each state will receive a supply of vaccine decided by the state’s population and administered according to state rules. Most of the first immunizations are earmarked for front-line healthcare workers and the residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
Download the EUA factsheet for healthcare providers:
Download the EUA factsheet for recipients and caregivers:
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