FDA Authorized COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

As the more virulent Delta variant is leading to a spike in infections, even in countries that have a high vaccination coverage, the FDA reviewed the data about a third dose for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and arrived at the decision to authorize additional doses for added protection. Accordingly, the emergency use authorizations (EUA) of both the vaccines were updated to include a booster dose, after 28 days of completion of the second dose, the press release said. Data for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which also enjoys the EUA in the US was not reviewed and does not qualify for use as a booster dose.

Along with its authorization, the FDA also counseled immunocompromised individuals to maintain physical distancing and use face masks and recommended their close contacts to get fully vaccinated as well. The agency also highlighted its other EUAs for monoclonal antibody treatments in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection or exposure. 

The CDC's vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet, discuss and vote on the booster doses later today. If approved, the administration of booster doses could begin immediately. According to CDC estimates, this accounts for about 2.7 percent of the US population.  

Aside from the U.S., France and Germany are also considering rolling out booster doses but for the elderly population. Israel has already kicked off its campaign to vaccinate its elderly and plans to study how the Delta variant could be combated, Reuters reported.

The Biden administration is expected to lay out next month a strategy for a national rollout of booster doses, even as the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a moratorium on them to allow poorer nations to improve their vaccination coverage.