Headline Roundup • September 23rd, 2021
FDA Approves Pfizer Booster Shots for People Over 65 or High Risk
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a third shot of the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for individuals ages 65 and older, and those who are at high risk or have high-risk jobs (such as health care workers and teachers). The CDC estimates that about 53 million Americans are aged 65 and older, and another 20 million are health care workers, and up to 100 million people have medical conditions that put them at increased risk. The FDA approval clears the way for fast distribution of the shots, which would be administered six months after the second dose.
Last week, an advisory panel to the FDA rejected approval of the booster shot for other individuals, saying there was not enough evidence to support the authorization.
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FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday granted an emergency use authorization to Pfizer and BioNTech’s Covid-19 vaccine booster, though for now the FDA said use of the booster should be restricted to people over the age of 65, adults 18 and older at high risk of severe Covid, and those who, like health care workers, are at higher risk of infection because of their jobs. That list includes teachers.
With the agency’s ruling, the Biden administration is one step closer to implementing its plan to begin to offer booster...
AP
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...
Rogelio V. Solis, AP Images
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 65 and older and those whose jobs put them at high risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Individuals 18 and up who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 were also included in the authorization, which only covers those who are at least six months out from their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
High-risk jobs include "health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others,” said acting FDA Commissioner...
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