Agencies Greenlight Two More Boosters, Mix-and-Match Strategy

Strategic Insights -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, allowing for a mix-and-match strategy. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., has endorsed recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the use of single-vaccine booster doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine in adults. Eligible individuals who completed their primary vaccination with one COVID-19 vaccine may now receive a booster dose of a different vaccine. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has approved the recommendations and updated its COVID-19 webpages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC and FDA have approved the use of single-vaccine booster doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the Janssen/Johnson and Johnson vaccine in adults, allowing for a mix-and-match strategy.
  • Eligible individuals who completed their primary vaccination with one COVID-19 vaccine may now receive a booster dose of a different vaccine.
  • The AAFP has approved the recommendations following an expedited review of the evidence and has updated its COVID-19 webpages.
  • The ACIP, FDA, and CDC are expected to review and vote on Pfizer's prospective EUA to expand use of its COVID-19 vaccine to include children ages 5 to 11.
  • Over 66% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and just over 57% are considered fully vaccinated.
  • More than 733,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
  • Vaccination, along with other risk mitigation tools such as masks and social distancing, are the most effective strategies for ending the pandemic.
  • The AAFP strongly urges all individuals who are eligible and have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible.
  • Shipments of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines may begin as soon as the FDA grants an EUA, and administration of the vaccines may begin once the ACIP and Walensky make a recommendation in support of their use.

Statistics:

  • Over 66% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (as of Oct. 24).
  • Just over 57% of the U.S. population is considered fully vaccinated (as of Oct. 24).
  • More than 733,000 Americans have died from COVID-19.
  • The FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in September to allow for use of a single booster dose for certain populations.

Sources:

  • American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
  • Pfizer Inc.