US regulators on Tuesday authorized a second booster dose of the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines for people age 50 and older, given data showing waning immunity and the risks posed by Omicron variants of the virus.
The US Food and Drug Administration said the new boosters - a fourth round of shots for most vaccine recipients - of the Pfizer Inc PFE.N/BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines are to be administered at least four months after the previous dose. They are intended to offer more protection against severe disease and hospitalization.
The authorization comes as some scientists have raised concerns about the highly contagious BA.2 Omicron subvariant, which has driven new spikes in COVID-19 cases in other countries. "While this EUA will help address a current need for some, we're working diligently to develop an updated vaccine that not only protects against current COVID-19 strains, but also provides more durable responses," Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said in a statement.
Scientists and officials have debated whether young, healthy people will need a fourth shot. A study of Israeli healthcare workers suggested that the fourth dose added little additional protection in the age group.
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