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FAA clears pilots to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The FAA and Airforwarders Association weigh in on who can and should get COVID vaccine first. (www.freightwaves.com) More...
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Great news and proof that common sense can still be found at the FAA.
It's offical. Here's what the FAA Aeromedical folks said today;
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update12/12/2020
Use of COVID-19 Vaccines by Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
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 has 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 COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose.
Read the full text here:
https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=94991
Best Regards
Capt J Buck
ATP DC-9 B757 B767
Flight Instructor
Ground Instructor
Aircraft Dispatcher
A&P Mechanic
Air Traffic Controller
FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.)
FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.)
ICAO Panel Member
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update12/12/2020
Use of COVID-19 Vaccines by Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers
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 has 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 COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour no fly/no safety related duty interval must be observed after each dose.
Read the full text here:
https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=94991
Best Regards
Capt J Buck
ATP DC-9 B757 B767
Flight Instructor
Ground Instructor
Aircraft Dispatcher
A&P Mechanic
Air Traffic Controller
FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (Ret.)
FAA certified accident investigator (Ret.)
ICAO Panel Member
we used to have the succinct wise words of another heavily qualified observer, THe Preacher, who sadly flew off into the sunset months ago. Preacher had wise words to say when he said them.Now, i find myself pleased, among all other posters with brains, that you choose to enlighten with your remembrance of the facts on the subjects you choose to write about. Thanks for your willingness to share.
its a good thing that the FAA made the obvious correct call-pilots and controllers may take the covid vaccine shots. THese various vaccines are not mind control drugs, narcotics or drugs that cause hallunications. WAs such a determination expected or needed when the salk polio vaccine came? How about yearly flu shots?
" How about yearly flu shots?"
Flu shots are not now or have ever been an issue. Had you taken the time to research the FAA's website (faa.gov) you would have found this:
----------------
FAA Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin Vol. 47, No. 4 2009-4
Regarding influenza vaccine, the FAA has no restrictions other than common sense. Airmen should ground themselves for one half-hour after receiving influenza vaccine, just to make sure they do not have any acute allergic reactions. As for the use of the anti-influenza medications, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir), neither medication is disqualifying, per se. When used for prophylaxis, it would be prudent to not fly for 48-72 hours after starting the medication to ensure the airman does not have any adverse reactions to the medication. When used for treatment of influenza infection, then he airman should not fly until symptoms are resolved and afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics. Remember, pilots must abide with the 14 CFR 61.53 prohibition against exercising the privileges of their pilot certificate during medical deficiency – symptoms of influenza or medication side-effects do constitute a medical deficiency.
In the FAA's Medication Database it says this, for example, about Tamiflu;
Tamiflu olseltamivir Antimicrobials Infections - Viral FAA ALLOWED -Y- 48 hr ground trial suggested flu rx)
----------------
In other words a pilot can take Tamiflu but the FAA *suggests* a 48 hour ground halt to make sure there are no side affects. If taking a flu shot at your local CVS or Walgreens (for example) the FAA suggests a 30 minute halt to make sure there are no side affects.
Can't speak to the polio vaccine. You can research that yourself.
Best
Capt J Buck
Flu shots are not now or have ever been an issue. Had you taken the time to research the FAA's website (faa.gov) you would have found this:
----------------
FAA Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin Vol. 47, No. 4 2009-4
Regarding influenza vaccine, the FAA has no restrictions other than common sense. Airmen should ground themselves for one half-hour after receiving influenza vaccine, just to make sure they do not have any acute allergic reactions. As for the use of the anti-influenza medications, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir), neither medication is disqualifying, per se. When used for prophylaxis, it would be prudent to not fly for 48-72 hours after starting the medication to ensure the airman does not have any adverse reactions to the medication. When used for treatment of influenza infection, then he airman should not fly until symptoms are resolved and afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics. Remember, pilots must abide with the 14 CFR 61.53 prohibition against exercising the privileges of their pilot certificate during medical deficiency – symptoms of influenza or medication side-effects do constitute a medical deficiency.
In the FAA's Medication Database it says this, for example, about Tamiflu;
Tamiflu olseltamivir Antimicrobials Infections - Viral FAA ALLOWED -Y- 48 hr ground trial suggested flu rx)
----------------
In other words a pilot can take Tamiflu but the FAA *suggests* a 48 hour ground halt to make sure there are no side affects. If taking a flu shot at your local CVS or Walgreens (for example) the FAA suggests a 30 minute halt to make sure there are no side affects.
Can't speak to the polio vaccine. You can research that yourself.
Best
Capt J Buck
Oh well soon none of the general public which needs it will get it soon. Every one who thinks they are special will first no matter how much some need it first.
