CDC Approves Coronavirus Booster For All Adults

NEW YORK — Just in time for the holiday season, with the number of new coronavirus cases continuing to rise statewide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention okayed booster shots for all adults Friday.

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky supported the CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices’ expanded recommendations for booster shots.

"Today, boosters for all adults cleared the final round of federal review by health experts and doctors," said Gov. Kathy Hochul. "This is great news as we enter the holiday season and gather indoors with friends and family."

Boosters can help provide additional protection, especially for those over the age of 50 and others with underlying conditions, Hochul said.

This week, New York reached a new milestone, with 80 percent of New York State adults fully vaccinated, she said, adding that getting the booster is critical, as well as washing hands and wearing masks.

New York has seen an uptick in new cases. On Friday, the state's 7-day positivity rate was 3.68 percent, with 33 deaths. Some areas of the state have seen dramatic increases, such as western New York, where the positivity rate Friday was 9.48 percent.

"We know the recent increase in the spread of COVID across regions of New York State is happening due to lower vaccination rates in those areas. Getting more New Yorkers vaccinated, including children aged 5 and older, remains the best way to help turn the tide in our fight against COVID-19," Hochul said. "So, if you are unvaccinated, get vaccinated. If you have kids, get them vaccinated. And if you have been vaccinated, get the booster."

Dr. Walensky spoke out on the CDC's decision: "Booster shots have demonstrated the ability to safely increase people’s protection against infection and severe outcomes and are an important public health tool to strengthen our defenses against the virus as we enter the winter holidays."