CDC green lights booster shots
Director disagreed with advisory panel and approved third Pfizer shot for older adults and those at risk because of their jobs
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky approved Pfizer booster shots for older adults and adults at high risk because of their work or living situations. Her decision aligned with the Food and Drug Administration’s expansion of the Pfizer emergency Use Authorization but went against the CDC’s panel of outside experts.
Earlier Thursday, the CDC’s vaccine advisors recommended booster shots only for older adults and those in congregate living situations. The advisory panel did not endorse boosters for so-called “frontline” workers, in part because the group was not defined clearly enough, in the opinion of some of the experts, fearing that the group could mean boosters for anyone including those who don’t need it
The CDC announcement came after midnight. Walensky and other federal Covid response leaders plan to brief reporters early Friday afternoon from the White House.