TThe US health regulators have widened the country’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign after the FDA-approved booster shots for Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) vaccines. The FDA also indicated that people could receive a booster shot from either company irrespective of their vaccine before.
People can now mix and match COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots
The moves by the FDA will ensure booster shots are available to most adults that have been vaccinated fully and have completed the required waiting period. With The FDA’s decision, all COVID-19 vaccines approved in the US have a booster shot. Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock told reporters:
Vaccines are one of our greatest tools in the fight against the pandemic, and ensuring the availability of boosters for those who need them is one of our highest priorities.
The individual who gets a booster and when they get it depends on the vaccine they took originally. Adults who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can receive Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson after two months of receiving the single-dose shot.
Also, individuals that initially received Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccine will be eligible for a booster shot after six months of their second dose, provided they are at high risk due to workplace or underlying conditions or seniors.
According to senior FDA officials, the FDA has already begun considering whether the booster authorizations should be extended to other patients. A source familiar with the matter indicated that the expansion would be ensured extra doses are available to people above 40 who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccination.
The US to expand vaccine campaign to children
The Wall Street Journal indicated that the country’s vaccine campaign could expand in the coming days once the FDA approves Pfizer’s vaccine for children between 5 and 11.
Health authorities indicate that the move to permit mix and match of the vaccines and boosters will help ensure the vaccines are available to all those in need and also increase available options. In addition, studies indicate that mixing and matching the vaccines, especially for those that initially received the J&j vaccine, could get more protection. Woodcock said:
There are people who do not want to get the same vaccine they got before because they had some sort of reaction.
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