On Friday, December 11, the FDA authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those 16 years and older. Doses are now being distributed, with healthcare workers being the first to receive the vaccine. The next vaccine awaiting distribution is the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which was authorized on December 18 for emergency use.

Vice President Mike Pence was televised receiving the vaccine on Friday. Pence spoke to the public, saying, “Karen and I hope this step today will be a source of confidence and of comfort to the American people. These days of hardship and heartbreak will, in a day not too far in the future, be put in the past.” A White House official said President Donald Trump won’t be taking the vaccine until his medical team advises to do so. President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team reports that he and his wife, Jill Biden, will publicly receive the vaccination sometime today.

Side affects reported of the Pfizer vaccine include fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and swelling. Side affects may last anywhere from one to 12 days, and most people are expected to experience mild to to moderate symptoms. So far, mild side affects have been reported to go away within 48 hours of receiving the vaccine. It is also noted that anyone with an allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine should not be vaccinated.