What to Know About a COVID-19 Vaccine
On August 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine will be known commercially as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee).
For individuals aged 12-15, the vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA).
Read the FDA’s full press release.
Did you know that LA County Library, in collaboration with County of Los Angeles Public Health, regularly offers FREE vaccine clinics at several of our locations? Find the location nearest you or visit Public Health’s vaccine finder for a complete list of clinics.
Since the beginning of the pandemic scientists and researchers have been working to develop a vaccine to prevent infection from the COVID-19 virus. Listed below are resources with information about the COVID-19 vaccine development process, and how vaccines are tested and approved in the United States.
If you have any further questions, please send an email directly to our Consumer Health Information Program or through our general reference line.
Government Resources on COVID-19 Vaccines
- County of Los Angeles Public Health
Working to improve the health and well-being of all county residents, County of Los Angeles Public Health gathers and publishes accurate, reliable, and accessible health information for the public. The County of Los Angeles Public Health’s COVID-19 portal includes raw statistical data and reports, reopening protocols, testing information, COVID-19 information, vaccine finder, and more.
- National Institutes of Health
COVID-19 resources for medical professionals. Includes links to open research data and information about clinical trials. - MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus, published by the National Library of Medicine, aggregates trusted health information from the government and other reputable heath organizations for consumers. The site provides the latest consumer information about COVID-19 vaccine research, COVID-19 vaccine trials, and other related information from US government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration.
How Vaccines are Tested and Approved
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Emergency Use Authorization
Vaccine Safety
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Department of Human Health and Services
- MedlinePlus
- Institute of Vaccine Safety (John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)
