CDC director endorses updated COVID booster recommendationSoon after vaccine advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday voted to recommend updated COVID boosters that target the original virus plus the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation, paving the way for immunization to begin.In a statement, she said the recommendation followed a comprehensive scientific evaluation and a robust discussion."The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant," she said. "They can help restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination and were designed to provide broader protection against newer variants.
This recommendation followed a comprehensive scientific evaluation and robust scientific discussion."The CDC recommends the new Pfizer/BioNTech booster for those ages 12 and older and the new Moderna booster for those ages 18 and up.
For both groups, the CDC recommends receiving the booster at least 2 months after receiving the primary vaccine series or the last booster dose.
Walensky said, "If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster and I strongly encourage you to receive it."In related developments, the White House is preparing to ask Congress for $22.4 billion to fund the COVID-19 response and $3.9 billion for the monkeypox response, The Hill reported today, citing administration sources.