The science behind the breakthrough had a head start. Researchers had already made progress developing vaccines for other types of coronaviruses. Plus, the rapid spread of COVID-19 made developing these vaccines an international priority. The Trump administration unlocked billions of dollars in funding to ensure safety while moving with urgency to develop vaccines. Regulators streamlined some steps in the authorization process, but the vaccines still needed to meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

SOURCE: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-key-action-fight-against-covid-19-issuing-emergency-use-authorization-first-covid-19 (FDA)

Updated 12/16/2021