It is official. FDA accepts the recommendation of VRBPAC. Pfizer boosters authorized for 65+, those at high-risk of severe COVID, and those in high risk of exposure occupations/institutional settings like healthcare workers, teachers, and those in prisons. Boosters will be given at least six months after the completion of the original series.
CDC's ACIP meets tomorrow to provide their own guidance on the booster. ACIP should provide more specific information on the criteria for high risk of severe COVID and high risk of exposure.
Currently boosters are not necessary for the general public as there hasn't been a significant decline in vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID. However for the subgroups covered in this amended authorization there is good data to suggest a need for a booster.
For those that received Moderna/J&J, VRBPAC is expected to meet in the coming weeks for specific booster guidance for those vaccines. I'd be surprised if boosters are not recommended for those vaccines as well. In particular for J&J given the recent data showing a two-dose J&J series had high effectiveness.
