January 1, FDA Authorizes Fourth COVID Dose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a second COVID vaccine booster, or a fourth overall dose, for those age 50 and older.

The FDA granted both the Pfizer and mRNA vaccines emergency use authorization, saying that anyone age 50 and older can get a second booster dose at least four months after the first, regardless of which vaccine was previously administered.

“Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” said Peter Marks, head of FDA’s vaccine division.

“Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.”

Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), updated the agency’s guidelines to reflect FDA’s new authorization.

“Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further,” Walensky said..

“This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions … as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.”

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CDC recommends fourth Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccine doses for people age 50 and older