FDA Approves New COVID Boosters , Ahead of Expected Winter Surge in Cases.<br />On September 11, the United States Food <br />and Drug Administration approved updated <br />COVID boosters from both Pfizer and Moderna.<br />NBC reports that the new boosters <br />are specifically formulated to<br />target the XBB.1.5 subvariant. .<br />The updated shots are expected to be available <br />later this week, pending the approval of <br />the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<br />According to the FDA, anyone over the age of five is <br />eligible to receive either company's booster shot, <br />regardless of if they were previously vaccinated.<br />The FDA also advised that vaccinated <br />individuals should wait at least two months <br />before receiving the updated booster. .<br />NBC reports that the news comes as <br />the U.S. faces a rising number of cases, <br />as a result of a number of new subvariants.<br />Officials have expressed hope that <br />the new boosters could potentially <br />stave off a spike in winter infections. .<br />On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is <br />scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations <br />for who should receive the booster. .<br />On September 12, a CDC advisory committee is <br />scheduled to convene for a vote on recommendations <br />for who should receive the booster. .<br />NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is <br />expected to approve those recommendations, <br />opening the door for vaccinations to begin.<br />NBC reports that CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen is <br />expected to approve those recommendations, <br />opening the door for vaccinations to begin.<br />According to experts, those who haven't had a booster <br />since last fall, as well as those who haven't had a recent <br />case of COVID, should get the booster as soon as possible.
