Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots: High-Risk Adults Now Eligible to Get Extra Jab, CDC Says

ON FRIDAY, the CDC approved the delivery of Pfizer and BioNTech’s Covid-19 booster injections to older Americans and other vulnerable individuals, particularly those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.

Millions of people in the United States who are at high risk for Covid will now be able to get a Pfizer-BioNTech booster injection to enhance their immunity.

Low Dosage of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is Safe and Effective for Children (Photo: Cleveland Clinic)

CNBC said the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has already unanimously approved and offered additional suggestions, including providing third Pfizer doses to those 65 and older and nursing care residents.

On the other hand, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky offered a proposal rejected by the advisory group. The panel decided against providing booster injections to individuals aged 18 to 64 who were at a greater risk of infection because of their employment or institutional environment, but Walensky changed his mind.

Who Are Eligible For Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Vaccines?

According to The Washington Post, here are those who are eligible for Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots: 

• People 18–49 years old with underlying medical conditions should get a booster shot from Pfizer;
• People 50-64 years old with severe medical conditions should get a booster shot from Pfizer-BioNTech at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series; and
• People 65 and older, as well as residents in long-term care facilities, should get a booster shot of Pfizer-Covid BioNTech’s vaccine at least six months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.

ALSO READ: Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine: Safe and Effective for 5-11 years old kids, Study Shows

Experts Say COVID-19 Jabs Should Be Given To Unvaccinated People First

Experts believe, per Sydney Morning Herald, that the most important thing is to get the unvaccinated their first injections. The panel debated whether the booster discussion was detracting from that objective.

Even with the emergence of the extra-contagious Delta form, all three COVID-19 vaccines used in the US — Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Jensen – are still highly protective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, only approximately 182 million Americans are completely vaccinated, or roughly 55% of the population.

The decision was a significant reversal of the Biden administration’s plan, unveiled last month, to provide boosters to virtually everyone to strengthen their defenses. The Food and Drug Administration, like the CDC panel, approved the boosters for a far smaller segment of the population than the White House had envisioned late Wednesday.

The booster strategy represents a significant change in the country’s immunization campaign. Despite significant concerns from the World Health Organization that developing nations do not have enough for their first dosage, Britain and Israel are already administering the third round of injections.

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