FDA ok's second booster for some
FDA ok's second booster for some
Over 50 and those with impaired immune systems can get added boost four months after first booster. But 34% of Americans still aren't vaccinated!
The Food and Drug Administration Tuesday authorized additional booster shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to be given to adults over 50 or to others who have compromised immune systems. The shots may be given four or more months after the last vaccination, according to the new emergency use authorization.
The decision was based largely on data from Israel that showed the vaccine protection weakens over time, especially in vulnerable populations, and that the currently circulating variants evade some of the vaccine immunity. While the data continues to indicate that the vaccines are overwhelmingly effective at preventing severe illness and death, many more cases of infection with omicron and BA2 variants have emerged.
Although many experts have advocated for the additional doses, others have said the effort ought to be directed at getting more Americans vaccinated in the first place. As of March 28, only 66% of Americans are “fully vaccinated” and fewer than 45% have received a booster dose, according to CDC data.
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