US plans COVID-19 booster shots at six months instead of eight – WSJ

Aug. 25 (Reuters) – U.S. health regulators may approve a third injection of COVID-19 for adults starting at least six months after full vaccination, instead of the previously announced eight-month interval, reported on Wednesday. Wall Street Journal.

Approval of boosters for three COVID-19 injections administered in the United States – those manufactured by Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) and its partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE), Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ. N) – is expected in mid-September, according to the report, citing someone familiar with the plans.

Pfizer and BioNTech have already started the process to apply for approval of its booster injection in people 16 years and older, saying it stimulates a more than three-fold increase in antibodies to the coronavirus. Read more

Earlier this week, US regulators granted full approval to Pfizer’s two-dose vaccine. Moderna said on Wednesday that she has completed the real-time review necessary for full approval of her jab in people 18 and older. Read more

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in her daily briefing that such a development would be the responsibility of the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC said the government’s plan to give a booster shot is dependent on pending action from the Food and Drug Administration and the recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The FDA, however, reiterated its joint statement from last week that the government was preparing to roll out the third injection starting in mid-September for Americans who had received their initial treatment of two-dose vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer more than eight months. since.

The rollout would begin if the FDA and CDC decide boosters are needed, U.S. officials said. Read more

Report by Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur

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