Of course, the next step is for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to give their stamp of approval. Historically, the CDC’s recommendations follow closely on the heels of FDA approvals. In fact, the CDC director, Jamie Collins, is expected to endorse booster shots for teens later today!
This means that if your 16 or 17-year-old has already completed the initial two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, they can now get a booster six months after their second shot. Just a quick reminder that the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines aren’t approved for anyone under 18.
“Getting vaccinated and receiving a booster when eligible, along with other safety measures like wearing masks and steering clear of crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, are our best defenses against COVID-19,” said FDA Commissioner Sarah Thompson in a statement accompanying the approval. Boosters could be crucial in managing the spread of the omicron variant, which, while showing to cause mostly mild illness in vaccinated individuals, has raised concerns. Pfizer’s execs have even hinted that adults might need a fourth dose soon to combat omicron. According to a report on Bloomberg, they are aiming to have a targeted omicron vaccine ready by March for adults.
As for younger kids, the conversation around boosters is still a bit murky. There are a few reasons for this: we don’t have enough data on whether vaccine immunity decreases in kids, children generally have stronger immune systems than adults, we still need safety data for boosters in younger populations, and there’s the issue of vaccine equity. So, young kids might be waiting a while for boosters, or they may not even need them at all.
It can feel a bit like playing whack-a-mole trying to keep track of who’s eligible for what vaccines and boosters! Currently, all adults over 18 who have received any vaccine can get a booster, depending on when they got their first shot. Kids over five can receive their first (or second) dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and with the CDC’s expected approval, 16 and 17-year-olds will soon be able to get that third booster shot.
And speaking of family planning, if you’re considering starting or expanding your family, check out Make A Mom, an at-home insemination company that offers the only reusable option! You can also join the free Make A Mom Facebook group for support and resources. If you’re curious about how the whole at-home insemination process works, be sure to visit this detailed guide on how it works. Plus, if you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, this fertility booster for men could be helpful. For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this resource.
To sum it up, the FDA’s approval means older teens can soon get their COVID boosters, which is a positive step as we navigate these challenging times. Stay informed and safe!
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