SBCHC COVID-19 Information Center

The FDA issued an EUA for the Pfizer vaccine on Friday, Dec. 11. In an emergency, like a pandemic, the FDA can make a judgment that it’s worth releasing something for use even without the typical timeline for a new vaccine or drug. According to a press release issued by the FDA, the FDA determined that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine met the statutory criteria for issuance of an EUA. The totality of the available data provides clear evidence that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may be effective in preventing COVID-19. The data also support that the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks, supporting the vaccine’s use in millions of people 16 years of age and older, including healthy individuals. In making this determination, the FDA can assure the public and medical community that it has conducted a thorough evaluation of the available safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality information. 

Before any vaccine is distributed to the public, it is tested in clinical trials on tens of thousands of people to help determine the vaccine’s safety and efficacy.  

While the process for the COVID-19 vaccine has been accelerated, safety corners were not cut – the vaccines are going through the same strict testing process that other vaccines are put through before public dissemination. 

COVID-19 vaccines do not use the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccine does not alter your DNA. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an immune response without having to experience sickness. 

• While both are mRNA vaccines, there are a several differences between the two:  

Moderna and Pfizer have different minimum age requirements.  

(Moderna – 18 Years Old) (Pfizer- 16 Years old) 

• The waiting period between the two vaccines is different. You must wait 21 days between your first and second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and 28 days between doses for the Moderna vaccine. 
• The Pfizer vaccine requires a much colder storage than the Moderna vaccine. 
   

For more specific information on both vaccines visit the links below: 

 Pfizer vaccine click here. 

Moderna vaccine click here. 

Texans that fall under the Phase 1A and Phase 1B are eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine. 

Phase 1A: Health Care Workers Definition  

First Tier 

• Paid and unpaid workers in hospital settings working directly with patients who are positive or at high risk for COVID-19. Such as but not limited to:  

• Physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other support staff (custodial staff, etc.) 
• Additional clinical staff providing supporting laboratory, pharmacy, diagnostic and/or rehabilitation services 

• Others having direct contact with patients or infectious materials 

• Long-term care staff working directly with vulnerable residents. Includes:  

•  Direct care providers at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and state supported living centers  
• Physicians, nurses, personal care assistants, custodial, food service staff  

• EMS providers who engage in 9-1-1 emergency services like pre-hospital care and transport 

• Home health care workers, including hospice care, who directly interface with vulnerable and high-risk patients 
• Residents of long-term care facilities 

Second Tier 

• Staff in outpatient care settings who interact with symptomatic patients. Such as but not limited to: 

• Physicians, nurses, and other support staff (custodial staff, etc.) 
• Clinical staff providing diagnostic, laboratory, and/or rehabilitation services 
• Non 9-1-1 transport for routine care 
• Healthcare workers in corrections and detention facilities 

• Direct care staff in freestanding emergency medical care facilities and urgent care clinics  

• Community pharmacy staff who may provide direct services to clients, including vaccination or testing for individuals who may have COVID 
• Public health and emergency response staff directly involved in administration of COVID testing and vaccinations 
• Last responders who provide mortuary or death services to decedents with COVID-19. Includes:  

• Embalmers and funeral home workers who have direct contact with decedents 
• Medical examiners and other medical certifiers who have direct contact with decedents 

• School nurses who provide health care to students and teachers 

Texas Phase 1B Vaccine Priorities 

Those in Phase 1B are also eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, depending on availability and the vaccine provider. Vaccine supply remains limited, but more vaccine will be delivered to providers each week. Phase 1B recipients include: 

• People 65 years of age and older 

• People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19, such as but not limited to: 

• Cancer 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) 
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies 

• Solid organ transplantation 
• Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or higher) 
• Pregnancy 
• Sickle cell disease 
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus 

Specific side effects may vary depending on the vaccine received. The specific anticipated side effects will be provided to you before vaccine administration. 

This will depend on which vaccine you receive. Currently, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require two doses to ensure full protection – an initial vaccination and a booster shot of the same brand of vaccine three or four weeks later. There are other COVID-19 vaccines still in clinical trials that may only require one dose. 

At this time, there is not enough data to know how often the COVID-19 will need to be administered. 

Yes. We will need to continue the 3 W’s - wearing a mask, watching your distance and washing your hands regularly – until we know how long the vaccine protects against the virus and we gain community control of COVID-19. 

Where can I learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines?  

Additional information about the vaccines can be found in Pfizer’s website, Moderna’s website, as well as the FDA’s website.