FDA Authorizes Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Shots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized booster shots of both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to prevent spread of the virus.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the agency announced that it has expanded the use of booster doses for eligible populations.

A single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may be administered to certain individuals at least six months after they have been fully vaccinated. These groups include people 65 years of age and older, anyone over 18 who is at high risk of severe COVID-19, and those 18 and older who are at risk of COVID-19 due to high exposure at their job.

A single booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may be administered to individuals 18 years of age or older two months after their one-shot vaccination.

The FDA is also allowing individuals to “mix and match” booster shots — in which a person can get a shot from a manufacturer different from their original dose.

“Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,” acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D., said in a statement.

“As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death,” Woodcock continued.

“The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated. The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

Scheduled for Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will meet to review this matter.

A formal recommendation signed by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is pending.

Back in September, the FDA authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot to be administered at least six months after completion of the first two doses. Those eligible include individuals 65 years of age and older, anyone over 18 who is at high risk of severe COVID-19, and those 18 and older who are at risk of serious complications from COVID-19 due to high exposure at their job.

At the time, Woodcock noted that “health care workers, teachers and day care staff, grocery workers, and those in homeless shelters or prisons” fall under these categories.