New CDC Announcement on Pfizer-BioNTech Boosters for Certain Individuals
On Friday, September 24th, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky authorized the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain high-risk populations, at least 6-months after completion of required course of 2 doses. The Indian Health Service (IHS) Vaccine Task Force (VFT) has stated that they will being providing booster shots effective immediately.
Based on the ACIP recommendation, CDC recommends that the following groups of people receive their Pfizer-BioNTech booster at least 6 months after the initial two doses:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings
- People aged 50-64 with certain underlying medical conditions
- People 18 to 49 who are at high risk for sever COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions, based on their individual benefits and risks
- People aged 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, based on their individual benefits and risks.
For more information, the CDC has updated their booster webpage and their interim clinical considerations pages.
