FDA Approves New COVID Boosters Ahead of Expected Winter Surge in Cases

FDA Approves New COVID Boosters , Ahead of Expected Winter Surge in Cases.

On September 11, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID boosters from both Pfizer and Moderna.

NBC reports that the new boosters are specifically formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

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The updated shots are expected to be available later this week, pending the approval of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the FDA, anyone over the age of five is eligible to receive either company's booster shot, regardless of if they were previously vaccinated.

The FDA also advised that vaccinated individuals should wait at least two months before receiving the updated booster.

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NBC reports that the news comes as the U.S. faces a rising number of cases, as a result of a number of new subvariants.

Officials have expressed hope that the new boosters could potentially stave off a spike in winter infections.

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On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations for who should receive the booster.

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On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations for who should receive the booster.

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NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is expected to approve those recommendations, opening the door for vaccinations to begin.

NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is expected to approve those recommendations, opening the door for vaccinations to begin.

According to experts, those who haven't had a booster since last fall, as well as those who haven't had a recent case of COVID, should get the booster as soon as possible.