FDA Says Covid Vaccines Provide Enough Protection Without Additional Booster Dose

The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that vaccines provide enough protection against severe disease and death without the need for an additional booster dose. 

The findings came in a report analyzing data submitted by Pfizer as part of their request for authorization for their vaccine to be given as a booster to people 16 years and older, the Wall Street Journal reports. 

An outside panel of advisers will review the report Friday, along with an analysis from Pfizer, as part of a discussion on who needs booster shots and at what time. 

Indeed, the Biden administration aimed to start distributing booster shots next week, however evidence does not prove it to be necessary. 

“Overall, data indicate that currently U.S.-licensed or authorized Covid-19 vaccines still afford protection against severe Covid-19 disease and death in the United States,” the report read.

Adults 65 years and older, as well as individuals in chronic-care facilities, healthcare workers and those who were vaccinated early, are expected to be eligible for booster shots first.