What does full approval of COVID-19 vaccine mean? By Camille Amiri and FOX 2 Staff Published Doctor explains what FDA full approval of COVID-19 vaccine means As millions of Americans refuse the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA inches closer to full approval of Pfizer's version. A Beaumont doctor explains what that means. SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) - As the nation's vaccine rates flatline, the Food and Drug Administration is preparing to give full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. But what does that mean and how is it different from what's already in place? Health experts all agree that the best way out of the COVID-19 pandemic is to get as many people vaccinated against the virus as possible. But millions of Americans are declining the vaccine and some are saying they're waiting for final FDA approval - which could come soon.