What is the difference between 'emergency-use authorization' and full FDA approval for COVID-19 vaccines?
For instance, businesses will be able to legally require employees be vaccinated once the FDA gives its full approval.
Author: Monica Robins
Updated: 12:32 PM EDT May 13, 2021
CLEVELAND — So far only one vaccine maker has submitted for full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the other two are not far behind. But the question many are wondering is what's the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), which they have now, and full FDA approval?
Emergency Use Authorization is basically a shortcut for a crisis. And according to the FDA, the COVID-19 pandemic fit the bill. An EUA can be given if there are no adequate or approved alternatives. But they still have to prove safety and they had about three months worth of data with thousands of study particpants before they received the EUA.