West Virginia leaders expressed optimism about recent national developments for covid-19 vaccines, including progress with additional kinds of booster shots, mix-and-match vaccine options and vaccines for younger children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today authorized booster shots of Moderna vaccine for people 65 and older and for people at special risk of covid-19, as well as an extra shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people 18 and older. Pfizer’s boosters had already been approved several weeks ago.
Last week, an FDA advisory panel recommended authorizing booster doses of Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s covid-19 vaccines, but authorization was still anticipated from the full agency.
And in short order, the FDA is expected to approve Pfizer or Moderna covid-19 booster shots for people as young as 40.
FDA also authorized people’s use of a different covid-19 vaccine than they originally received. That would not only give people more options for a booster but could also provide greater protection.
West Virginia statistics show 58 percent of state residents above age 12 are considered fully vaccinated.
