FDA formally approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for use in those 16 and older in the U.S. This is an important milestone, as it further underscores what we in health care already know – the vaccines are safe and they work. We are hopeful that this approval strengthens the public’s confidence in the vaccines and works to address ongoing vaccine hesitancy. As health care workers continue to serve on the front lines of this crisis and the Delta surge, the COVID-19 vaccine has never been more important.

Patients are encouraged to read the FDA announcement and speak with their health care providers about the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to this specific approval, COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available under emergency use authorization and are recommended to everyone who can get vaccinated.

• The two-dose COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is under emergency use authorization for those 12-15 and approved for those 16 and older.
• The two-dose COVID-19 Moderna vaccine is under emergency use authorization for those 18 years old and older.
• The one-dose COVID-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccine is under emergency use authorization for those 18 years old and older.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine

• FDA COVID-19 vaccine information
• CDC COVID-19 vaccine information
• COVID-19 vaccines: FDA approval, third dose for immunocompromised and boosters (swedish.org)

Still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? We encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider or a trusted community leader. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.

Get vaccinated

To locate a vaccination site near you, visit the Washington State Department of Health Vaccine Locator website or call the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

If you are a Swedish patient, select locations are offering vaccine appointments including our Pine Lake Universal Response Clinic, Downtown Primary Care and Mill Creek Primary Care. Please call a clinic near you to learn more and to make an appointment. 

Additional resources

• Vaccination clinic at the Amazon Meeting Center
• CDC, FDA recommend third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised patients
• What you need to know about booster shots this fall
• Know before you go: read our visitor policy before planning your visit with a loved o​​