FDA Approves New COVID Boosters , Ahead of Expected Winter Surge in Cases.
On September 11, the United States Food
and Drug Administration approved updated
COVID boosters from both Pfizer and Moderna.
NBC reports that the new boosters
are specifically formulated to
target the XBB.1.5 subvariant. .
The updated shots are expected to be available
later this week, pending the approval of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the FDA, anyone over the age of five is
eligible to receive either company's booster shot,
regardless of if they were previously vaccinated.
The FDA also advised that vaccinated
individuals should wait at least two months
before receiving the updated booster. .
NBC reports that the news comes as
the U.S. faces a rising number of cases,
as a result of a number of new subvariants.
Officials have expressed hope that
the new boosters could potentially
stave off a spike in winter infections. .
On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is
scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations
for who should receive the booster. .
On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is
scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations
for who should receive the booster. .
NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is
expected to approve those recommendations,
opening the door for vaccinations to begin.
NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is
expected to approve those recommendations,
opening the door for vaccinations to begin.
According to experts, those who haven't had a booster
since last fall, as well as those who haven't had a recent
case of COVID, should get the booster as soon as possible.