CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Moderna is the latest drugmaker to apply for full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its COVID-19 vaccine.
But you may be wondering, what's the difference between that and the emergency use authorization? First, full FDA approval of the vaccine likely means a lot more people will get vaccinated.
Let's connect the dots.
In a public health emergency, the process of making, approving and distributing a vaccine is streamlined, all in the name of efficiency.
Now, Pfizer and Moderna are seeking what's considered full FDA approval for their vaccines. What does this mean for you and your family?
Full approval means the FDA is looking at six months of data instead of just two. You'll also start seeing TV commercials because drugmakers are allowed to market their vaccine like they would with any other medicine once given FDA approval.
Full approval also means more businesses and schools will require the shots. Some places were hesitant to mandate a vaccine that only had emergency authorization.
And finally, full FDA approval means you'll have access to get the vaccine even once the pandemic is over.
Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.