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COVID-19

FDA Approves Updated Covid-19 Vaccines with Restrictions on Eligibility

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved updated Covid-19 vaccines, but has imposed new restrictions on who can receive them. Vaccines are now authorized for people 65 and older, who are most at risk from serious Covid illnesses, while younger individuals will only be eligible if they have an underlying medical condition that makes them more vulnerable. This marks the first time the US government has not recommended widespread Covid vaccinations for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. In a significant shift, Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, has stated that Covid vaccine "mandates" under Joe Biden are rescinded, and the vaccines will be available to those at high-risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has authorized Covid vaccines for people 65 and older, who are most at risk from serious Covid illnesses.
  • Younger individuals will only be eligible for vaccines if they have an underlying medical condition that makes them more vulnerable.
  • The upcoming fall and winter seasons will be the first where the US government has not recommended widespread Covid vaccinations.
  • Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, has announced that Covid vaccine "mandates" under Joe Biden are rescinded.
  • Kennedy has stated that these vaccines will be available to those at high-risk, including children older than six months, who will have access to the Moderna vaccine.
  • Children older than five years will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and those older than 12 will be able to receive the Novavax shot.
  • Vinay Prasad, the administration's top vaccine regulator, has overruled career scientists to limit Covid vaccine approvals, including for Moderna's vaccine.
  • The FDA has considered not renewing Pfizer's Covid vaccine for young children, which would have removed the only remaining such vaccine for children under five.
  • Rates of vaccine use have dropped in the US, with currently about 23% of all adults and 13% of people under the age of 18 being vaccinated.
  • Critics argue that restricting vaccine access for children will leave them vulnerable to severe illness and hospitalization.

Statistics:

  • 65 and older: FDA-authorized for Covid vaccines.
  • Younger individuals (with underlying medical conditions): eligible for vaccines.
  • Fall and winter seasons: first time no widespread Covid vaccinations recommended.
  • 23%: current vaccine use rate among US adults.
  • 13%: current vaccine use rate among people under the age of 18.
  • Six months: minimum age for Moderna vaccine eligibility for children.
  • Five years: minimum age for Pfizer vaccine eligibility for children.
  • 12: minimum age for Novavax shot eligibility for children.

Sources:

  • Oliver Milman, "FDA approves updated Covid-19 vaccines with restrictions on eligibility," [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/15/fda-approves-updated-covid-19-vaccines-restrictions-eligibility).
  • CNN, "US health secretary says Covid vaccine mandates are rescinded," [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/15/health/us-health-secretary-covid-vaccine-mandates/index.html).

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