The Centers for Disease Control now recommends that adults 50 and older receive a second COVID-19 booster shot.
"This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time," said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky.
The FDA authorized a second booster from Pfizer and Moderna on Tuesday.
The amended emergency authorization says people 50 and older can get a second booster at least four months after receiving their first booster shot.
The FDA also authorized a second booster of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 12 years of age and older who are immunocompromised. Moderna's second booster is approved for immunocompromised individuals 18 years of age and older.
“Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from COVID-19 in older and immunocompromised individuals. Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 97 million Americans have received a booster shot.
"CDC, in collaboration with FDA and our public health partners, will continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans," Walensky said.
