CDC updates COVID-19 vaccine booster guidance as case counts rise

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its COVID-19 vaccine guidance to include expanded eligibility for booster doses.

In a statement issued last week, the CDC expanded guidance for children, authorizing those ages 5 through 11 years old to receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer vaccination series. Individuals 12 or older who are immunocompromised and those ages 50 and older are currently eligible for second booster doses. The agency cited a nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases as the reason for the update to the eligibility guidelines.