Governor Whitmer & Dr. Khaldun on full FDA approval of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun issued the following statements after the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer).

To date, over 5.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan, and 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three vaccines.

From January to July of 2021, Whitmer says unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations and 96% of deaths.

Governor Whitmer issued the following statement –

“Today, the FDA granted full approval to Pfizer’s safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured right here in Michigan. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine has already saved countless lives in Michigan and around the world, so if you have already gotten your shots, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. If you still have not, I hope today’s announcement encourages you to get your FDA-approved vaccine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions and get your free shot soon. The FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine can protect you against COVID-19 and keep you out of the hospital if you get sick. If we all do our part to protect ourselves and the people we love from COVID, we can continue our economic jumpstart and usher in a new era of prosperity for our great state.”

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said the following –

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is an exciting milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Michiganders can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety and effectiveness as required of approved products by the FDA. While more than 5.2 million Michigan residents 16 and older have already received their first dose, we recognize that for some the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. We urge all eligible Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as they are able. Visit VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine.”

More information on COVID-19 vaccines can be viewed here.