CDC Chief Recommends Pfizer Boosters for Workers at Risk

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation for a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to certain populations Friday.

The CDC also recommended a booster dose for workers in high-risk occupational and institutional settings. The FDA had fully authorized the Pfizer vaccine last month.

The updated guidance allows for millions of Americans who are at high risk for COVID-19 to receive a third shot of the Pfzier vaccine and increase their protection.

The CDC is recommending:

• People 65 years and older, and residents in long-term care settings should receive a Pfizer vaccine booster at least six months after being fully vaccinated
• People aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions should receive the booster six months after being fully vaccinated
• People aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot six months after being fully vaccinated
• People aged 18-64 who are at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their workplace settings may receive a booster six months after being fully vaccinated

Walensky’s move overruled an agency’s panel decision last week to not offer booster shots to people aged 18-64 years and are health care workers.

Only Americans who have already received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine qualify for the boosters.