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Pharmaceutical industry

Expanded COVID-19 Booster Dose Eligibility Announced

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its interim recommendations to make booster doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna available to tens of millions more fully vaccinated adults in the U.S. This change comes as the country heads into the winter months when millions of people travel to see friends and family, increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The updated guidance aims to create consistent and clear guidance, reducing confusion over existing vaccination guidelines that have varied based on age, occupation, and location.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, making them available for tens of millions more fully vaccinated adults in the U.S.
  • Anyone 18 or older who is at least six months past their second shot of the two-dose mRNA vaccines may get a booster dose, while those 50 or older should get a booster dose.
  • Johnson and Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine booster already received EUA for all adults two months after their initial dose.
  • "Mixing and matching" of vaccines for booster doses is allowed, meaning someone could get a Pfizer booster if they initially received the Moderna or JandJ vaccine.
  • The American Medical Association (AMA) applauds the actions taken by the FDA and CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, stating that it will help provide continued protection against COVID-19 as the country heads into the winter months.
  • Data presented showed that adverse events following mRNA booster doses are similar to or lower than those seen after the primary vaccine series.
  • Less than 40% of fully vaccinated seniors, and about 18% of all adults, have gotten COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, according to the CDC.

Statistics:

  • 40% of fully vaccinated seniors
  • 18% of all adults
  • Ten states (California, Louisiana, Maine, Colorado, and others) have moved ahead to grant broad access to booster doses in an attempt to stave off a spike in COVID-19 cases during the holiday season.
  • FDA granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Sources:

  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • getvaccineanswers.org
  • AMA COVID-19 resource center

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