New Delhi: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday authorized a “mix and match” strategy for people who need booster shots of the Covid vaccine. A single dose of either of them can now be used after the completion of primary immunization with a different COVID vaccine.
“The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterogeneous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in an eligible population,” the agency said in a statement to AFP.
The United States has authorized Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccines.
These booster shots can be given to people who initially received two modern shots and are 65 or older, over 18 and at high risk for COVID, or over 18 and at high occupational risk. Also people who received a dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine two months ago can get a booster shot.
Previously, only immune-compromised people or people who belonged to the elderly or high-risk groups and who initially received the Pfizer vaccine were eligible for promotion. According to the AFP report, the decision was taken after a review of emerging research by the FDA. However, the statement also warned of extremely rare side effects associated with vaccines.
“Today’s action demonstrates our commitment to public health in actively fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic,” said FDA Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock.
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