Omicron Fears: CDC Nod For COVID Booster Dose In US

Washington: It has been recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that individuals aged 16 and 17 years should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least six months post-completion of the first two doses.

The recommendation from CDC came following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorising the Pfizer-BioNTech third shot to this age group, reported Xinhua news agency.

“Although we don’t have all the answers on the Omicron variant, initial data suggests that Covid-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said via a statement.

“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I strongly encourage adolescents ages 16 and 17 to get their booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series,” said Walensky.

The FDA authorised the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals aged 18 years and above after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorised or approved COVID-19 vaccine on November 19. The fresh move has expanded the age group eligible for the booster dose on Thursday.

Currently, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorised and recommended for adolescents aged 16 and 17 years.

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