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Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is now fully FDA-approved

Date: 08/26/21

Don’t wait! Schedule your vaccine shot today.

On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. The vaccine is now called Comirnaty (pronounced “koe-mir-na-tee”). The vaccine is still available under emergency use authorization for children ages between the ages of 12 and 15. 

Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for Pfizer’s vaccine in Louisiana. Get yours today at one of more than 1,437 locations across the state.

We know you may have questions. Our doctors are part of your care team and are here to help!

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by the FDA. What does that mean?

The vaccine is safe – and it works. The FDA is a government agency that is responsible for reviewing new medicines, food and other products. The FDA has carefully looked at large amounts of research data on the Pfizer vaccine. They approved the vaccine because the data shows it can help you avoid severe symptoms and death if you get COVID-19. And those benefits are greater than any risks from the vaccine. I know I’m protected because I got my vaccine. – Dr. Stewart Gordon, Chief Medical Officer and pediatrician 


I haven’t been vaccinated yet. Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine now?

The vaccine could save your life. By helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, you can also protect loved ones who are too young to get the shot. Like all viruses, COVID-19 can change, or mutate, as it passes from person to person. This creates different versions, or variants, of the original virus. Some of these variants are more deadly and can spread more easily than the original virus.

As a doctor, I’m telling my patients that getting the vaccine is the best protection against COVID-19. It can help keep you from getting sick and spreading the virus. If you do get the virus, your risk of being hospitalized or dying is much lower than unvaccinated people. – Dr. Amy Himel, Medical Director and doctor of internal medicine


Should I get vaccinated if I am pregnant?

Yes. Getting the vaccine is the best protection against COVID-19, especially during pregnancy. That’s why I’m advising anyone who is pregnant to get vaccinated. The vaccine can’t give you COVID-19, but it could save your life, and the life of your unborn baby.

During pregnancy, your immune system is not as strong. So it’s harder for your body to fight COVID-19 if you get it. The vaccine is safe to get during any trimester of your pregnancy. And if you are breastfeeding, it’s safe for your baby, too. – Dr. Monique Jones, Medical Director and pediatrician 

Please join us in getting your COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have questions or concerns about getting the vaccine, talk to your personal doctor. Your doctor knows you, your health history and your health risks. So they can give you health advice that fits you. As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, you can call or visit your doctor at no cost to you.

Go to ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine-locations to find a vaccine location near you. You can also check with your doctor to see if they are offering the vaccine.

Need a ride to your vaccine appointment? Louisiana Healthcare Connections can help. Just call 1-855-369-3723 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Can’t leave your home? We’re making house calls! Call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We can are working with providers and pharmacies who can bring the vaccine to you.