December 15, 2020

Dear Friends,

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) is scheduled to meet on Dec. 17 to discuss an emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The FDA’s initial review of data this morning indicated that the vaccine is safe and effective. The FDA posted materials for the public to review on the VRBPAC meeting.

National Updates
The FDA issued emergency use authorization for the first over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic test.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a Morbidity and Mortality Report recommending that people 16 and older should use the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

• CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield signed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation to use the vaccine.
• The CDC released information for schools to help leaders plan COVID-19 mitigation strategies.
• The CDC published several materials to help individuals navigate the COVID-19 vaccination process: What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19,What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine, Post-Vaccine Considerations for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, and Post-Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel.

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization launched COVIDVaccineFacts.org to provide the public with evidence-based information about the vaccine development, safety, efficacy, availability and affordability.

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

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.