Medical Treatments

Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has been tested for safety and efficacy in more than 44,000 people. Still, stopping viral spread will take more than immunizations, says the CDC. The agency is calling for those who are vaccinated to continue wearing mas

What You Need To Know As The First COVID-19 Vaccine Heads Your Way

5:29pm December 12, 2020

by Joanne Silberner

Within hours, U.S. states are expected have in hand their first shipments of Pfizer's newly FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. It marks a new phase in the pandemic, but what's that mean for you?

An example of a vial that will carry the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech sits on display during a Senate subcommittee hearing Thursday.

Health & Safety

FDA Authorizes COVID-19 Vaccine For Emergency Use In U.S.

10:55pm December 11, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine is the first to receive an emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Officials say it may be ready for widespread inoculations within days.

COVID-19 Vaccine's Side Effects Could Complicate Efforts To Vaccinate Health Workers

7:15pm December 11, 2020

by Richard Harris

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine may have side effects that can sometimes knock people out of work for a day or so. Hospitals are planning vaccine campaigns for their workers to avoid staff shortages.

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Challenges Hospitals And Health Workers May Face In Distributing The COVID-19 Vaccine

7:15pm December 11, 2020

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Dr. Jeff Bahr, who oversees medical group operations at Advocate Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, about challenges the U.S. may face in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

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Logistical Challenges in Shipping COVID-19 Vaccine

7:15pm December 11, 2020

by David Schaper

Airlines will play a critical role in transporting COVID-19 vaccines. But there are huge logistical challenges in shipping vaccines quickly and efficiently at low temperatures.

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FDA Advisory Committee Considers Authorization For Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine

6:59pm December 10, 2020

by Joe Palca

An advisory committee of independent experts met on Thursday to consider an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. NPR discusses the committee's deliberations and recommendations.

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Lisa Taylor got a COVID-19 vaccination in August as part of a vaccine study at Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Fla.

Health & Safety

When Might You Expect Your 1st COVID-19 Shot?

6:54pm December 10, 2020

by Pien Huang

In the U.S., front-line health care workers are likely first in line to get immunized with a COVID-19 vaccine, once the FDA says yes. But what about the rest of us? Here's what we know so far.

What To Expect From FDA Advisory Committee's COVID-19 Vaccine Meeting?

4:44pm December 10, 2020

by Richard Harris

A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee is preparing to vote on whether to recommend Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States.

If Pfizer Vaccine Is FDA Approved, What's Trump Administration's Plan For Buying It?

4:00pm December 10, 2020

by Sydney Lupkin

With Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine awaiting Food and Drug Administration authorization, there's speculation about when the U.S. will buy another batch of doses and whether it already missed its chance.

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Many Hispanic And Black People Say They Are Skeptical About COVID-19 Vaccine

4:00pm December 10, 2020

by Adrian Florido

Latinos and African Americans are among those most likely to express skepticism about the coronavirus vaccine. Efforts are underway to change their minds.

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