FDA authorizes Pfizer and Moderna Covid boosters targeted against Omicron strains

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized new Covid booster shots from Moderna and Pfizer that more closely match the strains of the coronavirus that are currently circulating in the U.S.

Pfizer’s booster, made with partner BioNTech, is being authorized for people as young as 12 years old. The Moderna booster is being authorized for people ages 18 and up.

Use of the new boosters still requires the signoff the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel is scheduled to meet Thursday and Friday and could vote to recommend them as early as Thursday.