Helen Branswell reports at Stat News that on Aug. 23 the Food and Drug Administration granted full approval to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials hope that will persuade some of the vaccine hesitant to get the shot. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated,” acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. “Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” The FDA gave full approval of the Phizer vaccine for those 16 and older, while it continues studying the vaccine for 12-15 year-olds, and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The approval “affirms the efficacy and safety profile of our vaccine at a time when it is urgently needed,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement. “I am hopeful this approval will help increase confidence in our vaccine, as vaccination remains the best tool we have to help protect lives and achieve herd immunity.” Read more about this story at Stat News.