It’s been just reported that the FDA authorized booster shots for Johnson & Johnson and Moderna covid vaccines. Another important step in this direction is distributing extra doses to tens of millions of people.
At the same time, U.S. regulators authorized “mixing and matching” vaccines, allowing Americans to get a booster shot from a different drugmaker than the one that made their initial doses.
“Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This is what acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement.
She added the following:
“As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death.”
This clearance from the FDA comes after the agency’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee last week unanimously recommended additional shots of both vaccines.
It’s also worth noting another issue that CNBC made sure to highlight – The committee recommended the Moderna booster for elderly people and at-risk adults six months after they complete their primary series of shots.
This brings the vaccine in line with the distribution plan for Pfizer and BioNTech’s booster.
It’s also important to note the fact that it also endorsed J&J boosters for everyone 18 and older who got the first shot at least two months ago, CNBC notes.
Coronavirus in the news
The coronavirus-related news continues. It’s been just revealed that all NYC municipal employees will be required to have the covid vaccine under a new mandate announced by Mayor de Blasio on Wednesday as The New York Post revealed.
The same online publication notes the fact that the city workers — including firefighters and cops — will have to get their first shot by Oct. 29, according to de Blasio.
