The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved booster shots of both Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccines, marking another important step in distributing extra doses to millions of people.
At the same time, U.S. regulators allowed “mixing and matching” vaccines, sanctioning Americans for getting a booster shot from a other drugmaker than the one that completed their initial doses.
Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement, “Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She added, “As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death.”
The FDA approval, which was anticipated, came after the agency’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee in previous week unanimously suggested additional shots of both vaccines. The committee suggested the Moderna booster for old people and for adults who are at risk six months after they complete their initial series of shots. It also endorsed J&J boosters for everyone who is 18 and above and who has taken the initial shot at least two months before.
The Biden administration hopes to give the U.S. population additional doses. This will certainly ensure long-term and enduring protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death as still the fast-moving delta variant is continuously spreading.
