HEALTH

Will more people seek out vaccine with full FDA approval?

UPDATED: AUGUST 24, 2021 AT 6:42 AM

BY BECKY BRUCE
News Director

SALT LAKE CITY — At least one Utah doctor believes more people will seek out the COVID-19 vaccine, after the Food & Drug Administration gave full approval to Pfizer’s version of the shot.

Intermountain Healthcare Dr. Tamara Sheffield spoke Monday with KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic.

Sheffield: Approval shows vaccine safe, effective

“This is an amazingly effective vaccine,” Sheffield said on the program. “So when it reduces your risk by 10 times, we’re so lucky to have something like this available to us.”

Sheffield pointed out the FDA poured through six months of clinical trial data as well as 200 million real world cases before issuing the approval.

“We have enormous amounts of information that the FDA has used to make this final approval. That [should] give certain individuals confidence that they can move ahead and get vaccinated.”

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Obtain a flu shot.
Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.