FDA authorizes both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine booster shots for all adults

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) independent panel of vaccine scientists have endorsed Pfizer and Moderna’s booster shots for all adults, a matter of hours after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted authorization.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 11-0 that those aged 18 to 49 ‘may’ get a booster while those aged 50 and older should get a booster. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted unanimously to recommend the boosters on Friday afternoon.

“As a clinician deep in the clinical trenches, I am really glad that we have clarity and streamlining of the recommendation so that all Americans can understand the vaccines that are recommended for them at this time,” committee member Dr Camille Kotton said following the vote.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky anticipates clearing the boosters shortly after. Her signoff would be the final regulatory step for making the shots available to all Americans ages 18 and older.

In August, boosters were approved for immunocompromised Americans who had received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine after data showed they were less likely to develop high antibody levels after two doses. 

Shortly after, the White House announced booster shots would become available for all Americans starting on September 20 due to data suggesting waning efficacy of the initial shots. 

The Biden administration has been encouraging Americans to get boosters, even as more than 30% of Americans have not taken a single coronavirus vaccine dose. More than 31million Americans had received a booster shot as of Thursday, according to the CDC.