On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration approved booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for certain groups, and many American employees are now eligible.
CDC and FDA disagree in giving booster shots. (Photo: Financial Times)
CDC and FDA’s Decision on Booster Shot Does Not Coincide
The FDA approved boosters for individuals aged 65 and above and those aged 18 to 64 who are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. The boosters were also authorized for individuals aged 18 to 64 who are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 at work. This may include, among other things, healthcare professionals, teachers, and grocery shop staff.
However, on Thursday, an independent panel of CDC medical advisers disagreed with the FDA and voted 9-6 against recommending booster doses for people who are more likely to be exposed to COVID at work, such as healthcare professionals and teachers, according to a published article in Business Insider.
The CDC panel did suggest booster doses for older people who had their first two shots at least six months ago, as well as those with underlying medical problems. While the decision for older people was unanimous, the panel was divided 13-2 on whether or not to suggest booster injections for 50-64 year-olds with underlying conditions, and 9-6 on whether or not to recommend additional doses for 18-49 year-olds.
Vaccine Rollout in the U.S.
Unlike the first vaccine launch, the U.S. is less likely to experience a supply shortage, making it difficult for individuals who are qualified to receive a dose. The U.S. government is still encouraging Americans to obtain their first dosage of vaccination. According to the CDC, 75% of eligible Americans aged 12 and up had gotten one vaccination dosage as of Wednesday, while 64% had been completely vaccinated.
The United States’ COVID-19 vaccination campaign is about to enter a new phase, with government experts recommending booster doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for millions of elderly or otherwise susceptible Americans on Thursday, despite concerns that the additional injections would do anything to halt the pandemic, according to an article published in Baltimore Sun.
