MENASHA (NBC 26) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, making it the nation’s first shot to move beyond emergency use authorization.
The state reported over 750 new COVID-19 cases Monday, bringing the seven-day average to just under 1,300 cases per day.
Health officials remain hopeful this will get more people to get vaccinated, if they haven’t done so already.
“We’re very excited and optimistic this full approval demonstrating the clear safety and benefits that the vaccine gives to our society is going to help bring that quarter of people who are still unvaccinated forward to getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Bradley Burmeister, Bellin Health Emergency Physician.
Hear more from Dr. Burmeister:
Dr. Burmeister explains what it means for a vaccine to be fully authorized by the FDA versus when they are emergency authorized.
“We are so happy to hear that. This is super exciting news for people. Particularly for those people who are a little hesitant or are saying ‘it’s not approved, maybe I’ll wait and see.' Well wait and see. Now is the time to get vaccinated,” said Trish Sarvela, Partnership Community Health Center.
A free pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic was held Monday as people were starting to learn about the news.
Limited Emergency Assistance Valley Ecumenical Network (LEAVEN), a community based non-profit organization in Menasha, was the host of the clinic as they hope to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations for communities of color.
Mary Parsons, Leaven's executive director talks about why they decided to be the host site of a vaccination clinic.
Mark Gabriel was one of a few people protesting right outside the entrance of the vaccination clinic.
Watch to learn more about why Gabriel decided to come out and protest:
Despite the FDA’s approval, he believes the Pfizer shot is untested and only experimental.
“They should be responsible for the effects that these vaccines have on people. Whatever the FDA says they can say what they want, but people are still dying,” Gabriel said.
Hear more about his thoughts on the FDA approval of the Pfizer shot:
One man who drove by protesters stopped by to share his opinions. When asked if he had gotten the vaccine, he said no.
“Because I just don’t trust it at this point,” said the Fox Valley man.
Watch:
However, the protesters didn’t deter some people from coming to get their shots.
“It seems like we’re going to get another wave, so I try to save myself,” said Lemurel Williams.
“For sure if the FDA approved it, it will make me more comfortable and all,” Santiago said.
This new FDA authorization of the FDA vaccine does not apply for those between the ages of 12 and 15.
They however are covered under the FDA’s emergency use authorization.
