Following the Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Pfizer, Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine, the FAA has determined that pilots may receive the vaccine under the conditions of their FAA-issued airman medical certification. FAA Air Traffic Controllers, who are subject to FAA medical clearance, may also receive the vaccine.” So reads the first paragraph of the FAA’s December 12, 2020, news release announcing its acceptance for medical certification reasons of the first authorized Covid-19 vaccine. On December 19, the agency made the same statement about the Moderna vaccine after it, too, was authorized by the FDA.
“To maintain the highest level of safety in the National Airspace System, the agency will require aviation professionals with medical certifications or medical clearances to observe a period of 48 hours following the administration of this vaccine before conducting safety-sensitive aviation duties, such as flying or controlling air traffic.” Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, and the 48-hour waiting period applies after each injection. The FAA said it applies similar waiting periods after administration of other vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and typhoid.
