Third COVID-19 Booster Shot for Eligible People May Be Rolled Out By Fall, According to CDC

Americans who recently got their second COVID-19 booster shot could expect the third rollout by the fall of 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said, in an exclusive with NJ Advance Media, that they are looking into the possibility of the third booster shot since the second booster's protection can wane by the fourth month of the injection.

Walensky, however, does not have the full details of the third rollout just yet. However, she is certain that the CDC would want the public to be aware that they may still need another injection. The CDC director also broached the possibility that the next booster may not be the same as the ones used for the first and second rollout.

Second COVID-19 Booster Shot Approved

In early April 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quietly approved the second booster shot for those above 50 years old if their first booster has lapsed four months ago. This approval essentially extends the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines for older adults as well as younger people with compromised immunities.

Following the FDA's move, the CDC also updated its official site to reflect that the recommended COVID-19 vaccine coverage is for two initial doses and two booster shots. The agency underscored that a second Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 booster could "increase protection levels for higher-risk individuals" based on the most recent data.

Walensky also reiterated that boosters are most helpful for people 50 years old and above, especially if they have underlying medical issues as they remain at most risk against COVID-19. However, CNN described CDC's statement and website update as a "permissive recommendation" and not an official recommendation as many experts in the medical community are not yet clear on whether the second booster shot is necessary. In the same way, the experts are still debating on the third booster shot.

Unlike European countries, American's booster drive has been lagging behind. Those who have gotten their first and second COVID-19 vaccine shots believe that booster doesn't work because of breakthrough infections. Some are also adopting a wait-and-see attitude even as the pandemic is still not over.

FDA to Hash Out America's COVID-19 Booster Plan

Officials from the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee are set to meet and discuss the country's COVID-19 booster plan before the Easter break to determine whether or not additional boosters, beyond the second dose, should still be given to the most vulnerable population.

According to NBC News, the committee is hoping to come up with a framework that could answer America's long-term plans for the boosters, amid the presence of emerging COVID-19 variants. One FDA scientist said that this plan might look like the rollout of the flu vaccines, which are availed annually.

Meanwhile, Pfizer and Moderna are reportedly working on updating their vaccines to target the newer strains.