FDA authorizes Pfizer booster shots for seniors, high-risk people

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized Pfizer booster shots for people above the age of 65 or who are at high risk. 

In a press release sent to Fox Business, the FDA said it has approved a single booster shot for certain people to be administered at least six months after receiving their first two doses. 

These groups include individuals 65 years and older, and individuals ages 18 to 64 who are either at "high risk of severe COVID-19" or who work in high-risk places. 

"Today’s action demonstrates that science and the currently available data continue to guide the FDA’s decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines during this pandemic. After considering the totality of the available scientific evidence and the deliberations of our advisory committee of independent, external experts, the FDA amended the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for a booster dose in certain populations such as health care workers, teachers and daycare staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others," said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. 

The announcement comes after an advisory group serving the FDA overwhelmingly rejected a sweeping White House plan to dispense third shots to nearly everyone. 

The panel instead endorsed booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine only for senior citizens and those at high risk from the virus.