In the United States after all the phases of clinical trials are completed assessing both safety and efficacy, a vaccine can receive full Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval with licensing. FDA approval of one vaccine does not grant approval of other COVID-19 vaccines, and each must be individually evaluated before FDA approval for general distribution and use by the public. FDA Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for large trials of vaccines is not full FDA approval. Pilots participating in vaccine trials under an EUA may be medically disqualified for an indefinite period of time, according to current FAA policy. Even after approval, ongoing studies will still be conducted to ensure continuing safety of the vaccine. Generally, the FAA does not allow pilot use of a new FDA-approved drug or vaccine for at least one year after full FDA approval. It is ALPA’s understanding that the FAA is still researching whether a pilot receiving a future FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to fly if they receive the vaccine immediately upon FDA approval. Pilots are reminded of the FAA requirement to report all visits to health-care providers on their FAA medical application.
