If you’ve been waiting for one of the COVID-19 vaccines to get the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the day has finally arrived.
On Monday, the FDA granted its first full approval of a COVID-19 vaccine to the Pfizer-BioNTech shot. The two-dose vaccine will now be marketed under the name Comirnaty, according to the agency, and it is fully approved for use in individuals 16 and older. An emergency approval remains in place for people ages 12-15 and “for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.”
The full approval comes after the agency’s months-long independent review of the vaccine, in which it evaluated data including a clinical trial of around 44,000 people submitted by the vaccine maker. The FDA notes that vaccines are approved only if they are safe and effective and benefits of inoculation outweigh the risks.
“We’re especially glad to hear that the FDA has approved Pfizer’s brand of COVID-19 vaccine,” FDOH-Manatee Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bencie said in a statement on Monday afternoon. “Anything that can help alleviate the concerns of those who are still hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for any reason is welcome.”
The health department announced Monday that it will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines, including the Pfizer vaccine, to the general public at its vaccination site at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto. The site is also offering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to people with certain immune conditions.
FDA emergency approvals remain in place for the Moderna and the J&J/Janssen vaccines based on initial safety and effectiveness data. Moderna submitted an application for full approval of its vaccine in June, a month after Pfizer. And Johnson & Johnson representatives have said that the company will seek full approval for its vaccine from the FDA later this year.
If you are now looking to get the fully approved Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine, here are some easy options in the Bradenton area.
- The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County is offering Pfizer vaccines by appointment only at the Palmetto Bus Station, 1802 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 941-242-6646 to schedule.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, 2200 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, is offering no-appointment Pfizer vaccinations Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Costco, 805 Lighthouse Dr., Bradenton and 8201 S Tamiami Trail #501, Sarasota, has the Pfizer vaccine available for walk-ins or by appointment. Visit costco.com to schedule.
CVS stores in Manatee and Sarasota counties are currently offering the Pfizer vaccine. Visit cvs.com to schedule.
Walgreens stores in Manatee and Sarasota counties are currently offering the Pfizer vaccine. Visit walgreens.com or call 1-800-925-4733 to schedule.
Walmart has Pfizer vaccines available by appointment at select stores in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Visit walmart.com to schedule.
- America’s Pharmacy, 5612 14th St. W.,Bradenton (inside Acapulco Tropical) and 3470 17th St., Sarasota, has the Pfizer vaccine available for walk-ins or by appointment Monday-Saturday. Visit americas-pharmacy.com to schedule.
Bayshore Pharmacy, 6229 14th St. W., Bradenton has the Pfizer vaccine available for walk-in patients Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Family Care Discount Pharmacy, 3633 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, has the Pfizer vaccine available for walk-in patients Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit vaccines.gov or floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator for more local vaccine locations.
Where it’s not available:
- Manatee County area Publix and Winn-Dixie stores are currently not offering the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna vaccine remains available at both retailers.
This story was originally published August 23, 2021 6:23 PM.