Full FDA approval could drive COVID-19 vaccinations, but experts advise against waiting
ABC News
As one-third of unvaccinated U.S. adults say they will get the dose once it's fully FDA-approved, medical experts say there's no reason to wait.
One-third of unvaccinated U.S. adults say they will only get in line for the COVID-19 jab once it's fully approved, but medical experts say it can also be risky to wait. Moderna became the latest COVID-19 vaccine maker to apply for full approval by the Food and Drug Administration, announcing last week that it has started the process for approval in people ages 18 and up. That follows Pfizer's announcement in early May that it was seeking approval in those ages 16 and up. About half the country so far has gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been made available in the U.S. through an emergency use authorization due to the public emergency the pandemic poses. As vaccination rates decline, full FDA approval could give them a boost, as the distinction holds significance for a large chunk of people who remain unvaccinated. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's latest vaccine monitor report, nearly a third -- 32% -- of unvaccinated adults are waiting for full FDA approval of a vaccine before getting it. Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said the large share of those waiting for approval came as a surprise.More Related News