November 30, 2020

Dear Friends,

A second COVID-19 vaccine candidate moves into the final phase – Moderna submitted a request for an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Phase 3 trial data showed the vaccine candidate was 94.1 percent effective.

The FDA plans to discuss on Dec. 10 the EUA application for Pfizer’s vaccine candidate. In just ten months scientists have taken the genetic sequence of a new disease and developed various vaccine candidates that are showing high efficacy levels. This incredible timeline is a testament to the innovative work of our nation’s brightest minds and the vast mobilization brought by Operation Warp Speed. With the news of these vaccines, it is important that we continue to practice social distancing and follow other CDC recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

National Updates
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting on December 1 and will use certain ethical principles to guide advice to the CDC on initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the Coping-19 Campaign to help address mental health challenges onset by COVID-19.

Texas Updates
Governor Abbott announced the guiding principles for Texas’ COVID-19 vaccine allocation process.


Until next time, this is your doctor's note.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.