AAPA Applauds FDA, CDC for Timely Authorization of First COVID-19 Vaccine

“We Have Tremendous Cause for Hope”

December 14, 2020

The American Academy of PAs applauds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for their timely, yet thorough and rigorous, scientific review and approval for emergency use of the first COVID-19 vaccine. Like the rest of the world, AAPA welcomes the availability of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 years and older.

As frontline healthcare providers, PAs nationwide have an important role to play in addressing vaccine hesitancy in an effort to end this pandemic and promote public health. Through patient education about the safety of our national immunization program, PAs can promote public confidence in vaccines for continued protection of all from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“The loss of life due to COVID-19 is devastating, but now we have tremendous cause for hope,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA. “As additional vaccines make their way through the approval process, PAs nationwide will be strong partners in helping to educate our patients about the importance of getting vaccinated while also continuing to promote other virus mitigation strategies including handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing.”

For more information, please contact Carrie Munk, [email protected].