The US Food and Drug administration (FDA) authorized a second booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines for people 50 and older at least four months after their first booster, according to the Washington Post.

“Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time against serious outcomes from COVID-19 in older and immunocompromised individuals. Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals. Additionally, the data show that an initial booster dose is critical in helping to protect all adults from the potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19. So, those who have not received their initial booster dose are strongly encouraged to do so.”

– Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (source: FDA website)

The US centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) has also reportedly approved the FDA recommendation within hours, writes the Post.

This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.

– Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, in a statement (source: The washington Post)

CDC Director Walensky’s statement continued “Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster 4 months after their prior dose to increase their protection further. … both the CDC and the FDA continue to evaluate the need for additional booster doses for all Americans.”

• Second booster shots authorized for adults 50 and older
• FDA Authorizes Second Booster Dose of Two COVID-19 Vaccines for Older and Immunocompromised Individuals
• Older adults can get second coronavirus booster to strengthen waning protection

Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, urged at a news briefing that peoples who have not taken first booster dose to get one.

“I would urge people to get their first booster because one thing that did become apparent … is the third dose provides a differentiating level of immunity that does seem to provide people some additional benefit, in terms of preventing the severe outcomes of hospitalization and death — and that seems to last and be more durable.”

– Dr. Peter Marks

The Post writes “The primary benefit of a fourth shot is thought to be protection against severe illness, and that risk can vary dramatically among people 50 and older. Not all experts are convinced the benefits are clear, and some have debated about whether the age cutoff should be 60 or older.A matrix of factors — including underlying health conditions, age, and time since last booster dose or infection — could play a role in what a person should consider in risk vs. benefit.”