Pfizer COVID vaccine booster approval coming for adults? The FDA could decide this week

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A Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster is approved for certain groups who received the second dose at least six months ago.


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For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO and CDC websites.

The US Food and Drug Administration could approve booster shots of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for all adults on Friday. The decision, if it comes, would follow the decision by at least 12 states to open up booster eligibility requirements for all adults ages 18 years of age and older. Pfizer asked the FDA for approval last week of its booster shot for anyone 18 years of age and older. 

Multiple studies show that the effectiveness of vaccines may start to decline after six to eight months. Recent studies say a booster dose of Pfizer shows 95.6% efficacy against COVID-19.

Over the summer, as the delta variant took hold in the US, the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 surged. The vaccines that are approved by the FDA have proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness. Those who remain unvaccinated account for nearly all hospitalizations and deaths. 

We’ll explain below what to know about who is eligible for the Pfizer booster shot today. For more on COVID-19, here’s what we know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids, the latest guidance on masks and breakthrough infections. And here’s what you should know about the new federal COVID-19 vaccination mandates — and what to do if you lost your vaccine card.


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Which states expanded eligibility for vaccine boosters?

At least 12 states — Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia– are encouraging anyone age 18 and older to get a booster if they got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago, or received the second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine shot more than six months ago.

The guidance goes beyond the tighter restrictions issued by the CDC: “You can qualify for the booster shot,” West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said this week. “In my opinion, if you’re breathing, you can qualify.”

Who is eligible for the Pfizer booster under CDC guidance?

Here’s who is eligible for a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine booster, accordiing the CDC:

  • Individuals 65 years of age and older and residents in a long-term facility should receive a booster.
  • Individuals 50 through 64 years of age with an underlying medical condition should receive a booster.
  • Individuals 18 to 49 years of age with an underlying condition may receive a booster if they assess their risk of infection as high.
  • Individuals 18 to 64 years who are at increased risk because of their job — such as hospital workers, teachers or grocery store workers — may receive a booster if they assess their risk of infection as high.

Where can I get a booster shot?

According to White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients, boosters will be available at roughly 80,000 places across the country, including over 40,000 local pharmacies. Some 90% of Americans have a vaccine site within 5 miles of where they live, Zients said, and getting a booster shot will be just as easy as getting the first shot. And the booster shot will be free too. 

You can check Vaccines.gov to see which vaccines are available where or call 1-800-232-0233 for vaccine information.

Why is Pfizer requesting authorization for booster shots for everyone 18 years of age and older?

If you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC says you will continue to be protected from infection and especially against serious illness. All the COVID-19 vaccine shots authorized by the FDA continue to be “highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death,” according to the CDC.

Recent studies, however, show the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine can begin to wane after 5 or 6 months and a booster can raise your protection against infection, especially against serious illness. Albert Bourla, the chief executive of Pfizer, told the New York Times he anticipates the effectiveness of a booster to last a year, with annual booster shots possible to prop up immunity.

What about mixing and matching the COVID-19 booster shot?

The CDC said those who qualify for a booster shot can get any of the three available — a booster from Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson — no matter which one they received first. The CDC will have more details shortly on its mix-and-match plan.

When can I get the Pfizer booster shot?

Now, if you’re eligible. According to Zients, up to 20 million people received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago and are eligible for the Pfizer booster shot now.

State and local health officials have started to roll out campaigns to help the public better understand who qualifies immediately, according to the New York Times. 

What is an underlying medical condition?

The CDC said adults of any age can be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 if they have an underlying medical condition. Here are what the underlying conditions listed by the CDC:

  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Neurological conditions, such as dementia
  • Diabetes
  • Down syndrome
  • Heart conditions
  • HIV infection
  • Liver disease
  • Overweight
  • Pregnancy and recently pregnant
  • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
  • Smoking, current or former
  • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
  • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
  • Substance use disorders
  • Weakened immune system

Outside of the underlying conditions, the CDC said older adults are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Is the Pfizer booster the same as the first two shots?

Yes. According to Pfizer, its COVID-19 booster would be a third jab of the same vaccine you got with the first two doses. 

Pfizer is working separately with its partner BioNTech on a version of the COVID-19 vaccine that targets the delta variant.

For more on coronavirus treatments and vaccines, here’s what we know about monoclonal antibody treatments, the new federal vaccine mandates and why some people may not want the shot.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

source: cnet.com