The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer is safe and effective.

The published analysis will be discussed at a Thursday meeting held by a group of independent experts that is advising the agency on whether to grant an emergency use authorization.

According to the 38-page briefing document, the FDA found that the data from the vaccine trials "were consistent" with the recommendations the agency had set for granting authorization.

According to the FDA, the data from Pfizer shows that the vaccine provided protection after the first dose and was highly effective after two doses. Experts say the vaccine worked well regardless of a volunteer's race, weight or age.

According to the FDA analysis, no serious adverse reactions were reported - although trial participants did experience side effects such as aches and fevers.

In the meantime as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to increase, doctors are urging everyone to keep their distance and continue wearing their masks.

"We do need to get numbers in the country it's estimated in the 70% area before we really develop herd immunity. Lots of exciting stuff with the vaccine. It's a very big first step but it's not the last step," said Dr. Aaron Glatt, Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

Several Long Island hospitals are already gearing up to administer the vaccine to the highest risk health care workers early next week, pending FDA approval and shipment.

New York is expecting to receive enough vaccine doses for 170,000 New Yorkers.