Emergency use authorization (EUA) is different from full FDA approval – but safety and efficacy are still at the center. During a public health crisis, EUA allows the FDA to offer vaccines sooner (and potentially save lives sooner, too). During this time, the FDA works with the vaccine developer and clinical researchers, continually reviewing the vaccine, looking closely at data and planning next steps.
Though fully approved for people 16 and up, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is available under EUA for people ages 12 to 15. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are also available under EUA for people 18 and up.