FDA Approves Booster for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Vaccines

Yesterday the FDA authorized booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson and Johnson. After the authorization they also said that any of the three authorized vaccines could be used as a booster to already administered initial doses. Officials also said that they would simplify the framework as more safety data comes in as to who is eligible for the boosters. Vaccine advisers with the CDC will consider the FDA’s authorization and offer their own advice. If director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signs off, people could start getting the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson boosters within days.

The FDA gave emergency use authorization for a half dose of the Moderna vaccine as a booster for those fully vaccinated at least six months ago who are also at least 65, or who are at least 18 and at high risk of severe Covid-19 or have frequent institutional or occupational exposure to the virus. It also authorized booster doses of Johnson and Johnson for anyone who got the vaccine at least two months ago and are 18 and older. Pfizer had already received authorization for booster shots for it’s vaccine for people who are vaccinated at least six months ago with the same restrictions as Moderna.