On December 12, 2020, the FAA provided guidance on Pfizer, Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine for aviation professionals performing safety-sensitive aviation duties. Pilots may receive the vaccine “according to the conditions of their FAA-issued airman medical certification” and air traffic controllers were also authorized. Similar to brief waiting periods following other types of vaccines, the FAA will require aviation professionals to adhere to a 48-hour window of observation before returning to flying or controlling air traffic. As the Pfizer vaccine requires 2 doses, the waiting period requirement will follow each administration. The Agency will monitor the distribution of the initial vaccine, as well as others receiving FDA authorization, and provide additional recommendations.

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The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.