► Providers hope approval sways hesitant.

U.S. approval of Pfizer shot seen easing some hesitancy

Capital Region vaccine providers are celebrating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision Monday to grant full approval to Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine in hopes it will spur those previously on the fence about vaccination to get the shot.

Local health officials said they expect to see increased demand at upcoming vaccination clinics as a result of the decision, and some have even ordered additional shipments of the Pfizer vaccine to accommodate an uptick.

“It definitely is not gonna hurt,” said

Mary Fran Wachunas, public health director for Rensselaer County, where 62 percent of residents had received at least one dose of vaccine as of Monday. “We are hopeful that the people who were waiting for the full FDA approval to get the vaccine will come on out now that they have it.”

Wachunas said she ordered an additional 450 doses of the Pfizer shot in anticipation of the FDA’S decision. They will be administered at upcoming clinics, including one at the Schaghticoke Fair that kicks off Sept. 1, she said.

Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, health commissioner for Albany County, also welcomed news of the decision and said she hopes it will lead to an uptick in vaccination rates.

“We expect this important milestone will increase confidence in the vaccine and allow more Albany County residents to protect themselves and their families from COVID,” she said. “Our current systems in place, which include walk-in availability at the health department from 9 to 3, along with the many scheduled community vaccine clinics, will be able to accommodate an anticipated increase in numbers.”

While some have expressed doubt that full authorization can change the minds of the vaccinehesitant, the move by the FDA is expected to trigger a slew of new vaccine mandates at schools, hospitals and businesses nationwide.

Joseph Sellers, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York, issued a statement Monday saying he hopes the decision makes it easier for schools and workplaces to require vaccination against coronavirus — especially with a new school year approaching.

“As American children head back into the classroom, it is more important than ever to immunize those who are eligible,” he said. “Since young children are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine themselves, we must do everything we can to keep them – and their vulnerable family members – safe and healthy.”