US CDC Also Recommends Booster Shots for Those Aged 65 and Older and High-Risk Groups

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the 23rd (local time) recommended booster shot vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older and high-risk groups. This came one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for booster shots for these groups.

The CDC advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), unanimously approved an additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine for those aged 65 and older and residents of long-term care facilities in a vote held that day. Additional vaccinations for those aged 50 to 64 with underlying health conditions were approved with 13 votes in favor and 2 against.

Once CDC Director Rochelle Walensky approves ACIP's recommendation, booster shot vaccinations will begin in the United States.

The Joe Biden administration plans to provide booster shots to the entire population. However, based on health authorities' recommendations, vaccinations are expected to start primarily targeting the elderly and vulnerable groups.

There is a possibility that the eligible groups for vaccination may expand in the future. Bloomberg News stated, "If additional data on the safety and effectiveness of booster shots are secured, the vaccination target groups may increase."

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