Following the Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, the FAA has determined that pilots flying with medicals may receive the vaccine. Air Traffic Controllers, who are subject to FAA medical clearance, may also receive the vaccine.
As with the approval of the Pfizer’s vaccine, pilots are required to wait 48 hours after the vaccination to fly.
Because the vaccine requires two doses, 28 days apart for maximum effectiveness, the waiting period applies after each dose, according to FAA officials. The Pfizer vaccine, which was approved last week, requires two doses 21 days apart, but the waiting period after each dose applies to both brands.
The FAA anticipates taking no additional measures to ensure safety after the initial window for side effects closes. However, the agency’s medical professionals will continuously monitor the initial distribution of the novel vaccine and documented clinical results and will adjust these recommendations as needed, agency officials said.
The FAA will evaluate vaccines from other manufacturers as they receive FDA authorization in the coming weeks and months and will advise pilots and air traffic controllers of any waiting periods required for those vaccines.
The FAA applies similar brief waiting periods after administration of other vaccines, including those for tuberculosis and typhoid.
Does this rule apply to private pilots flying under Part 91?
Total nonsense. The shot is exactly like a flu shot. Do the have to wait after one of those? No. We live in a sad era folks…flat Earthers are in charge.