BLUF:
- The two mRNA options for the COVID-19 vaccine are considered safe & effective.
- The FAA & USAF has approved use of both vaccines.
- Both vaccines require a 48 HOUR NO FLY DUTIES following both doses.
- FAA requires airmen to self-identify if they have any adverse reactions to the vaccine.
If you’re still not sure if you should get the vaccine: CLICK HERE
FAA
Official guidance directly from the FAA:
“The COVID-19 public health emergency has driven extraordinary global efforts to develop an effective and safe vaccine. Some of the vaccines in clinical testing are using novel technology, such as mRNA. The vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech and the vaccine produced by Moderna have been made available to the American public under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). After careful review of available data regarding safety profiles, the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM) adopts the following policy as both safe and operationally responsive to this unique situation:
Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose.
Individuals holding an Airman Medical Certificate or Medical Clearance should be reminded that they are prohibited from performing flight crewmember duties or air traffic control duties if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.
AAM will monitor the patient response to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and may adjust this policy as necessary to ensure aviation safety. Additional vaccines will each be evaluated as EUAs are issued.
USAF
Official guidance from the USAF, which is based on the FAA guidance as stated above:
