CDC backs FDA authorization of boosters for healthy 12- to 15-year-olds despite safety concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reinforced federal regulators’ decision earlier this week to authorize Pfizer booster doses for healthy people ages 12-15, a move that comes amid growing concerns that federal regulators are shutting out vaccine experts from decision-making.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 to recommend administering Pfizer booster doses to otherwise healthy adolescents ages 12-17 just hours before CDC Director Rochelle Walensky gave her final approval. The FDA authorized booster shots for 12- to 15-year-olds Monday and for 16- and 17-year-olds last month without convening...