The FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine could spark two major impacts, experts say: more vaccine-hesitant people willing to get the shot and more companies and institutions implementing mandates to those not yet inoculated.
"I think that the validation as the FDA has just created today in giving it full approval and a license is going to make it more palatable, not for everybody, but for more people," said Dr. Jay Wolfson, professor of public health and vice president for health law, policy and safety at the University of South Florida.
Data supports this hypothesis. A recent poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation shows 31 percent of people hesitant to get the vaccine said they'd be more likely to get it once the vaccines get full approval.
"'It hasn't been out long enough,’ that's what they say, for them to get the vaccine," said Lisa Roma, a pharmacist in St. Petersburg. She adds that education is key to understanding why mRNA vaccines are safe and not experimental.
"This is not the first time these mRNA vaccines have been studied and tested. They've been around for a really long time,” she said.
Science shows mRNA vaccines don't inject patients with COVID. Instead, they teach the body to make a special spike protein that helps the immune system fight back if you do get sick with the virus.
"Vaccines save lives," said Roma.
Additionally, with full approval, experts say mandates could follow.
"Some employers will feel more comfortable to more strongly encourage, if not in some cases to mandate the vaccine be taken, especially for front-facing service and healthcare employees," said Dr. Wolfson.
Count Disney and the Pentagon in, too.
"Vaccines and drugs that are fully licensed by the FDA are perceived to be better trusted...It's the exact same vaccine but now there's a greater sense of certainty about its safety and the manufacturing of it,” said Dr. Wolfson.