- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention cleared the reformulated omicron boosters Thursday.
- An independent committee recommended shots, which target the dominant omicron BA.5 subvariant.
- Pfizer's omicron boosters are for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna's updated shots are for adults ages 18 and older.
- Vaccinations are expected to start next week.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared reformulated Covid shots that target the latest omicron subvariants for the fall, making it possible for many people to get an extra booster within days.
The agency's independent committee on vaccines voted 13 to 1 earlier Thursday in favor of the shots after reviewing the available safety and effectiveness data over an almost seven-hour-long meeting. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed off on the shots a few hours later, clearing the way for pharmacies to soon start administering the shots.
Pfizer's omicron boosters were OKed for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna's updated shots were authorized for people ages 18 and older. The eligible age groups can receive the boosters at least two months after completing their primary series or their most recent booster with the old shots.
