A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted 18-0 to authorize a Pfizer booster shot for Americans 65 years and older and those at risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
The panel also voted to authorize a booster shot for those who are at risk of severe COVID-19 due to their job, including health care workers, teachers, and essential infrastructure workers.
Idaho News 6 reports that in data released by the FDA on Wednesday, Pfizer argued that vaccine booster shots were not only safe and effective but would be necessary for all Americans over 16 because real-world studies show the effectiveness of the first two doses wanes over time.
The data also showed that a third vaccine dose restored efficacy in preventing COVID-19 to up to 95%.
The Centers for Disease Control will meet next week to review the panel’s decision.
