COVID Vaccine Booster Shots: What to Know as 4th Dose Approved for Some
According to a press release, certain immunocompromised individuals and residents over the age of 50 who have received their COVID vaccine booster dose more than four months ago will now be eligible for another booster thanks to the new recommendations.
That's because a CDC study that tracked which boosters J&J recipients initially chose concluded a Moderna or Pfizer second shot was superior to a second J&J dose.Those now eligible for a second booster should wait until at least 4 months after they received their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine, officials said.
“They are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time,” Walensky said. FDA's Marks said regulators set the age at 50 because that's when chronic conditions that increase the risks from COVID-19 become more common. To evaluate an extra booster, U.S. officials looked to Israel, which opened a fourth dose to people 60 and older during the omicron surge. The FDA said no new safety concerns emerged in a review of 700,000 fourth doses administered.
Plus, a longer interval between shots helps the immune system mount a stronger, more cross-reactive defense.