Two days after FDA approval of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the FAA stated: “Holders of FAA-issued Airman Medical Certificates or Medical Clearances may receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, a 48-hour ‘No Fly/No Safety-Related Duty’ interval must be observed after each dose.” The Moderna vaccine requires two doses, which must be spaced 28 days apart.
As NAAA reported in the December 17, 2020 eNewsletter, this action was expected following a similar statement last week regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
The 48-hour no-fly restriction is the same as was issued for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Individuals holding an Airman Medical Certificate are prohibited from performing flight crewmember duties if they do not meet medical certification requirements, including those related to adverse events from medications that render them unable to perform such duties.
NAAA has been successful throughout the pandemic to ensure that the industry is considered an essential service. As such, those involved in agricultural aviation should have an opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once frontline health care workers and vulnerable populations have received the vaccine.
