FDA moves closer to clearing Moderna and J&J COVID booster shots this week

October 12, 2021

Millions of Americans will be one step closer to receiving a COVID-19 booster shot this week when a key Food and Drug Administration advisory panel meets Thursday and Friday, October  14 and 15, to debate extra doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, reports CNBC.

The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee meetings come less than a month after U.S. regulators authorized COVID booster shots of Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine to a wide array of Americans, including the elderly, adults with underlying medical conditions; and those who work or live in high-risk settings, like health and grocery workers.

More than 7 million Americans have received a booster dose in the United States as of Saturday, October 9, according to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Members on independent committees by the FDA and CDC and Prevention said at the time they were frustrated that only Pfizer recipients would be eligible to get the extra shots, leaving out millions of Americans who got Moderna or J&J’s shots.

The FDA advisory group is scheduled Thursday to discuss data on the safety and effectiveness of a Moderna booster shot in adults. On Friday, the committee is expected to debate J&J booster shots for adults. The FDA could make a final decision within days of the meetings, handing it off to the CDC and its vaccine advisory committee to make their own decision.

The CDC’s next vaccine advisory meeting is scheduled to take place from October 20 to October 21, when it’s expected to discuss the boosters.

Research contact: @CNBC

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