ATLANTA, Ga., May 14, 2021 – Today the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released findings from its real-world evidence based study of 500,000 health care personnel (HCP) in 25 states that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 94% effective against COVID-19.
“This report provided the most compelling information to date that COVID-19 vaccines were performing as expected in the real world,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “This study, added to the many studies that preceded it, was pivotal to CDC changing its recommendations for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”
The assessment found that those who were fully vaccinated more than seven days after their last dose, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 94% effective against COVID-19; compared to 82% for those that were partially vaccinated (14 days after a first dose) through six days of second dose.
“These findings support CDC’s recommendation that everyone should get both doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to get the most protection,” the report states.
On May 12, the CDC expanded COVID-19 vaccination recommendations to include adolescents 12 years through 15 years of age. These adolescents are now authorized to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine aswell.
“Expanding eligibility to this younger age group protects our children and gives families peace of mind. It is the best step we can take as parents to ensure our kids remain in the classroom, can safely spend time with friends, and take part in sports and extracurricular activities,” said Umair A. Shah, MD, Washington State Director of Health in a May 12 press release. “Research continues to show this vaccine is safe and I am thrilled it is now an option for parents and their young teens.”
To schedule an appointment, visit Vaccine Locator, which shows nearby providers and lists vaccine type. When scheduling an appointment for someone 12 to 17, make sure the location you choose administers the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only vaccine currently authorized for people that age. If you have questions or need help scheduling an appointment, call the state’s new COVID-19 vaccination number 833-VAX-HELP.
Author: Mario Lotmore
