FDA Authorizes Boosters For Moderna, J&J COVID-19 Vaccines

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday granted emergency use authorization for single-dose boosters of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, according to a statement released by the agency.

In addition to amending the emergency use authorizations for the Moderna and J&J vaccines, the FDA also authorized the use of "mix and match" booster doses for currently available COVID-19 vaccines.

"The available data suggests waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated," Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. "The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

Tens of millions of Americans will now be eligible to receive a Moderna or J&J booster. The emergency use authorization for both vaccines was amended to recommend boosters for the following groups:

• Individuals who are 65 and older.
• Individuals ages 18-64 who are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
• Individuals ages 18-64 who work in an industry where they have a greater chance of being exposed to the coronavirus.

Anyone who received the Moderna vaccine is eligible to receive a booster six months after receiving their second dose. For J&J’s single-shot vaccine, the FDA said U.S. recipients should get a second dose at least two months following their initial vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will consult an expert panel later this week before finalizing official recommendations for who should get boosters and when.

Booster doses have now been authorized for all COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. The FDA authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in September.