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04/18/2023

FDA Okays Second Omicron Booster for People at High Risk From COVID

People 65 and older, those with weak immune systems will be able to get the shots

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the way for people who are at least 65 years old or immune-compromised to receive a second updated booster shot against the coronavirus (COVID-19), an option designed to bolster protection for the most vulnerable Americans even as the pandemic recedes.

The action appears likely to provide a measure of reassurance to people whose age or medical issues put them at risk of serious illness if they are infected by the coronavirus. Some got updated boosters last fall, soon after the omicron-targeting shots were authorized, but patients and physicians recognize the mRNA vaccines have a history of waning protection within months of administration.

People who are eligible for the extra boosters might be able to get them as soon as this week. Vaccine advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss the second booster, and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky is expected to sign off quickly.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.

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