US health advisers said Thursday that some Americans who have received the COVID-19 vaccine should get half a booster dose to boost protection against the virus.
The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of advisors voted unanimously to recommend a booster injection for older adults, and adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
The recommendation is non-binding but is a major step toward expanding the US campaign in support of millions of Americans. Many people who got their initial Pfizer shots at least six months ago are already getting a booster shot after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized their use last month.
As for the dose, Moderna’s initial vaccine consists of two 100-mcg injections. But Moderna says a single 50-mcg dose should be enough for a booster.
The agency met with its experts Thursday and Friday to comment on who should get reinforcements and when people who received shots of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson earlier this year should get.
The FDA will use its advisors’ recommendations to make final decisions about boosters from both companies. Assuming a positive decision is made, another hurdle remains: Next week, a committee convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide more details about who should get one.
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