US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy says he wouldn't be surprised if the Food and Drug Administration's full approval of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine comes soon and he expects that it will spur more vaccine mandates by schools and businesses.

Murthy said he didn't want to get ahead of the FDA's announcement but didn't disagree it could happen this week. He cited a wealth of data showing Pfizer's two-dose regimen is safe and effective.

Currently, the vaccine is being distributed under the FDA's emergency use authorisation. Murthy said he believes that once the agency completes its full review and issues approval, more Americans will be persuaded to get the shots.

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