The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized a second Moderna or Pfizer booster for older or immunocompromised Americans. This news comes as a new, highly transmissible Omicron variant is causing an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the Northeast. The latest Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows adults ages 50 and up as well as people 12 or older who are at risk for severe disease to receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster.
In a media briefing, Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, noted that the second booster is particularly important for immunocompromised patients, who are generally at risk for more severe outcomes from COVID-19. Marks added that it's possible that the general population will be eligible for a second booster dose this fall.
CDC recommendations still allow for a “mix and match" approach, so eligible patients may choose which COVID-19 vaccine they receive as a booster shot.
Vanderbilt Corporate Health and Wellness team offers COVID-19 asymptomatic testing, vaccination and vaccine booster services to workforces in Nashville and throughout Tennessee and the region. These vaccination events can be held at drive-in or onsite clinics. Learn more at this site or call (615) 343–9557 to schedule.