FDA approval of Pfizer vaccine could lead to vaccine mandates On Friday, Pfizer became the first COVID-19 vaccine producer to request full FDA approval. and last updated 2021-05-07 23:13:12-04 RICHMOND, Va. -- On Friday, Pfizer became the first COVID-19 vaccine producer to request full FDA approval. Virginia's Vaccination Coordinator Dr. Danny Avula anticipated that approval would have several implications, including the possibility of more vaccination mandates across the country. The Pfizer vaccine, along with Moderna and Johnson and Johnson, were currently operating under Emergency Use Authorization due to the pandemic. "This is just the final formal step that Pfizer should take," said Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. "We want this vaccine to be around, even when there isn't a public health emergency."