This flow chart is not quite accurate, or at least is misleading. There is more to a distinction between EUA and full FDA approval than where manufacturing happens. The FDA's own website[0] says:
> The EUA process is different than an FDA approval or clearance. Under an EUA, in an emergency, the FDA makes a product available to the public based on the best available evidence, without waiting for all the evidence that would be needed for FDA approval or clearance.
I don't post this to spread doubt about the EUA and am fully confident in the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. But as written, this website would seem to suggest that the only difference is when production happens - which is not accurate.
I'm sure there are more and very detailed differences, like if the evidence leads to an unsafe vaccine that there are different processes.
I think the major talking point is covered by this info, which is meant for the general public. I'll make an assumption that the general public is also less educated on average than the users on HN on average. A flowchart that would satisfy a bunch of nerdy engineers (us HN users) with all possible paths would confuse the heck out of everyone else.
> The EUA process is different than an FDA approval or clearance. Under an EUA, in an emergency, the FDA makes a product available to the public based on the best available evidence, without waiting for all the evidence that would be needed for FDA approval or clearance.
I don't post this to spread doubt about the EUA and am fully confident in the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. But as written, this website would seem to suggest that the only difference is when production happens - which is not accurate.
[0] https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/understanding...