WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday extended the authorization of Covid vaccine boosters to all people aged 18 and older, six months after the completion of their primary vaccination series, Pfizer and Moderna said.
“This emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter months and face increasing Covid-19 case counts and hospitalizations across the country,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.
The latest action simplifies what until now has been a confusing list of who’s eligible, allowing anyone 18 or older to choose either company’s booster six months after their last dose _ regardless of which vaccine they had first.
Earlier in the day, Moderna said the FDA extended the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of its Covid-19 vaccine to all adults aged 18 and older.
But there’s one more step: A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel is expected to meet later in the day to discuss whether to recommend the booster doses for the broader population.
(With inputs from agencies)
“This emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter months and face increasing Covid-19 case counts and hospitalizations across the country,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel.
The latest action simplifies what until now has been a confusing list of who’s eligible, allowing anyone 18 or older to choose either company’s booster six months after their last dose _ regardless of which vaccine they had first.
Earlier in the day, Moderna said the FDA extended the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of its Covid-19 vaccine to all adults aged 18 and older.
But there’s one more step: A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel is expected to meet later in the day to discuss whether to recommend the booster doses for the broader population.
(With inputs from agencies)