CDPH Issues Statement on Full Federal Approval of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today issued a statement from Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, following federal approval of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals ages 16 and older.

“Today’s announcement by our federal partners underscores the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and comes at a critical juncture as many of our communities are grappling with increasing cases fueled by the faster spreading Delta variant,” said Dr. Aragón. “For weeks we have watched cases go up at an alarming pace among individuals who are not vaccinated while the vaccinated are largely protected, especially against severe and long-term illness. We know the vaccines work. We know vaccines are safe. We know they save lives. If you are not vaccinated, let this be the milestone that gets you there. Get vaccinated to protect yourself and help put an end to this deadly pandemic.