Q. Where can individuals go for more information about the vaccine they will be administered?
A. To learn more about the authorized or approved vaccines, and how they are being administered, please read this article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Q. How is Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) related to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine?
A. The FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech product Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and the FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine under EUA have the same formulation and can be administered interchangeably to provide the COVID-19 vaccination series.
The Vaccine Information Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers provides additional information about both the approved and authorized vaccine.
The Coast Guard’s service member vaccine mandate is consistent with the Secretary of Defense’s direction. The Secretary of Defense has authorized the use of compelled COVID-19 vaccinations in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance. Per memorandum from Assistant Secretary for Defense (Health Affairs) issued 14 September 2021, DoD health care providers will use both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine interchangeably for the purpose of vaccinating Service members in order to comply with the Secretary of Defense direction.