Texas Children’s Commends F.D.A. Approval of Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine

HOUSTON – (August 23, 2021) – This morning, Texas Children’s President and CEO, Mark A. Wallace, issued a statement of support for F.D.A. approval of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.  

“I’ve said it from day one, the Pfizer vaccine—along with the Moderna vaccine—is safe, highly effective and the strongest tool we have to overcome this virus,” said Wallace. “I’ve always understood the hesitancy surrounding this choice, but I hope that with the announcement from the F.D.A. today, we can more widely adopt this approved vaccine to combat this deadly virus.”

Texas Children’s began administering the Pfizer vaccine on December 15, 2020, after the F.D.A. granted Emergency Use Authorization, and over the past nine months, more than 128,000 doses have been administered to the Texas Children’s workforce and patient population. Upon authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 to 15, Texas Children’s continues to lead the way with equitable vaccinations across the pediatric population. Texas Children’s is currently in the midst of clinical trials for children ages six months to 11 years and remain very optimistic about the future for vaccinated children.

In August, Wallace announced the COVID-19 vaccine is required for all Texas Children’s employees, physicians, contractors, and volunteers. The Texas Children’s community is required to be fully vaccinated by October 19, 2021.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country, Texas Children’s Pediatrics; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.