US FDA Approves Booster Shot for High-Risk COVID-19 Groups

Pfizer and Moderna Vaccine Recipients

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on the 12th (local time) that it will allow a third dose (booster shot) of the COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk groups.

Major foreign media reported that with the FDA's approval on this day, even those who have completed the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, such as organ transplant recipients or cancer patients with weakened immune systems, will receive the booster shot.

An official from the authorities emphasized the necessity of the booster shot, stating, "For people with weakened immune systems, the existing two doses of the vaccine may not guarantee sufficient immune efficacy."

The booster shot target group accounts for less than 3% of adults, and the AP news agency reported that the vaccination will not be expanded to the general public.

For the booster shot to begin, official approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is required. According to foreign media, the CDC plans to hold an expert meeting on the 13th to review the final approval of the booster shot.

Recently, amid concerns over the spread of the Delta variant in major countries, there has been an increasing number of cases announcing booster shot plans one after another.

Israel and Germany have already started or are planning booster shot vaccinations as the Delta variant rapidly spreads.

As booster shot vaccinations become more visible mainly in developed countries with large vaccine supplies, concerns about worsening vaccine supply shortages have led the World Health Organization (WHO) to request a delay in booster shot vaccinations until the end of September.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.