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On Jan. 3, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID-19 booster shots for ages 12-15.
Citing lab studies and Israeli data, the FDA has shortened the time frame between completion of the primary vaccination series with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot — the only one authorized for anyone 12 and older — and when someone can get a booster to at least five months, down from six months. In addition, the FDA will also allow some immunocompromised children as young as age 5 to get an additional dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee on vaccines is expected to evaluate expanded eligibility for the boosters this week before deciding whether to recommend the shots for the youngest teens, according to news reports.
Last month, the FDA and CDC expanded booster access to 16- and 17-year-olds.