CDC, FDA announce changes for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today announced a pair of changes to its recommendations regarding Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. CDC is shortening its recommended interval of when a Pfizer booster dose is appropriate, to five months. The interval recommendations for Johnson & Johnson (two months) and Moderna (six months) remain unchanged. The CDC is also recommending an additional primary vaccine dose for children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. This change only applies to Pfizer, as it is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized and recommended for this age group.
 
The Food and Drug Administration, meanwhile, on Jan. 3 announced several amendments to Pfizer’s emergency use authorization that correspond with CDC’s recommendations. Additionally, FDA said it is expanding the use of a single booster dose to include individuals between the ages of 12 and 15.