Advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have unanimously agreed to recommend a third Moderna vaccination. However, only in adults over 65 years of age and risk groups and only half a dose.
Pfizer booster vaccinations were approved around a month ago. This was also the reason why the Moderna decision was so clear. The experts said that there was actually little data for the booster vaccination. But since this has already been approved at Pfizer, it makes sense to do the same at Moderna.
Although the decision of the expert group is not binding, the FDA usually follows the recommendations. After the FDA has voted on it, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) still has to approve the booster vaccination. Thereafter, approved persons whose second vaccination was more than 6 months ago could receive a third vaccination practically immediately.
Biden wanted boosters for everyone – WHO didn’t want any
The FDA’s panel of experts recently put a damper on the vaccination plans of US President Joe Biden (78). The influential group of scientists came to the conclusion in mid-September that the findings so far did not justify the general introduction of a third dose of vaccine for people older than 16 years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is even asking rich countries to wait with the third vaccination. Before that, poor countries should be given the opportunity to give first and second vaccinations.
Positive data from Israel
Israel is the only country to have a lot of experience with booster vaccinations. Scientists there say that of the 4.6 million people who have received a third vaccination so far, virus protection has increased roughly tenfold across all age groups. The chance of getting seriously ill with Corona, on the other hand, would have decreased 3 to 20 times. And the death rates in the elderly are 3 to 10 times lower than after the second vaccination. (vof)