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COVID-19

US FDA Panel Votes Against Pfizer Vaccine Booster Shots for Most Adults

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The US is struggling to control the rapidly spreading Delta variant of the coronavirus, leading policymakers to consider vaccine booster shots. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel recently voted against approving booster shots for most adults, rejecting a proposal to expand the eligible population to include those over 16. Instead, the panel voted to approve Pfizer boosters for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms. The FDA's non-binding vote comes amid the Biden administration's efforts to roll out booster shots and contain the virus.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA panel voted 16-2 against approving booster shots for most adults (those over 16), despite the rapid spread of the Delta variant and efforts to contain the virus.
  • The panel voted unanimously to approve Pfizer boosters for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, as recommended by medical director for infection prevention at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Steven Pergam.
  • The FDA panel's votes are non-binding, but they send a powerful signal in the midst of the Biden administration's efforts to roll out booster shots.
  • CDC Panel A will meet next week to discuss "the parameters" for the administration of booster shots for high-risk groups, which will likely include obese people and healthcare workers.
  • The CDC maintains that all three coronavirus vaccines available in the US – Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – still provide protection against hospitalization and severe disease.
  • Getting everyone vaccinated as soon as possible is key to stopping the Delta variant, according to experts, with more than 54% of all Americans already fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
  • Dr. Cody Meissner, a professor of pediatrics at Tufts University School of Medicine, suggested that it's too early to talk about booster shots and emphasized the importance of getting everyone the primary series – two doses – of the vaccine.
  • President Biden's new vaccine mandate for large employers (over 100 employees) requires all workers to be vaccinated or commit to regular testing, with 84% of Democrats, 61% of independent voters, and 30% of Republicans supporting the mandate in an Axios poll.

Statistics:

  • 16-2: The vote count against approving booster shots for most adults (those over 16) by the FDA panel.
  • 100: The number of employees threshold above which employers must vaccinate all workers or commit to regular testing, as mandated by President Biden.
  • 84%, 61%, and 30%: The percentage of Democrats, independent voters, and Republicans respectively, who support President Biden's vaccine mandate for large employers in an Axios poll.
  • 54%: The percentage of all Americans who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
  • 65: The age threshold above which Americans can receive Pfizer boosters, as recommended by the FDA panel.

Sources:

  • CNN
  • Politico
  • CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
  • Tufts University School of Medicine
  • Axios
  • FDA panel vote (non-binding)

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