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Homehealth and scienceFDA authorizes Covid booster shots that target omicron BA.5 variant

FDA authorizes Covid booster shots that target omicron BA.5 variant

  • The FDA authorized booster shots that target the omicron BA.5 variant.
  • It is the first time the FDA has authorized an updated vaccine formula since the shots started in December 2020.
  • The new boosters are expected to roll out to the public after Labor Day weekend.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has to sign off before pharmacies can start administering them.

A medical staff prepares a booster dose of Pfizer's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine are seen at a vaccination centre in Brussels, Belgium, January 5, 2022.Yves Herman | Reuters

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Covid booster shots Wednesday that target the omicron BA.5 subvariant as the U.S. prepares for another surge of infections this fall and winter.

It is the first time the FDA has authorized an updated vaccine formula since the original shots rolled out in December 2020. Pharmacies are expected to start administering the new boosters after Labor Day weekend.

The U.S. has secured 171 million doses of Pfizer's and Moderna's updated shots so far, according to the Health and Human Services Department.

Pfizer's new booster dose is authorized for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna's new shots are authorized for adults ages 18 and older. The eligible age groups can receive the boosters two months after completing their primary series or their most recent booster with the old shots.

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