(Bloomberg) — US regulators have authorized the second booster doses of the Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE covid-19 vaccine for adults 50 and older, making millions more eligible for vaccines as concerns grow about a possible new wave of infections.
Those who received a first booster dose of vaccines from drug manufacturers at least four months ago can receive another one now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Tuesday. For most people, the second booster will be a fourth vaccine while it will be the third for those who received initial immunizations from a single Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
While omicron has declined overall, the BA.2 variant of the virus continues to spread, raising concerns about a resurgence and the need for additional safeguards. Booster doses are becoming an increasingly reliable tool in the fight against covid, especially as states and companies reduce reliance on safety measures such as wearing masks and working from home.
Meanwhile, the Biden Administration warns that funds are needed to continue fighting the virus. The US lacks sufficient supplies to give everyone an additional booster dose of the mRNA vaccine, officials said.
The FDA also authorized a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for certain immunosuppressed people over 12 years of age, and Moderna's vaccine for a similar population over 18 years of age. That additional vaccine can be given at least four months after receiving a first authorized booster dose. People over 12 years of age with moderately or severely compromised immune systems could already receive four vaccines, three of which were counted as their primary series.
Original Note:
FDA Clears Way for Millions to Get Additional Covid-19 Boosters
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