FDA backs Omicron-based booster, paving the way for shots in Vermont next week

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Covid-19 booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna on Wednesday that are targeted to the newest variants of the virus.

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The Department of Health plans to start distributing an initial shipment of 17,000 doses on Sept. 6 or 7, assuming that the U.S.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approves it later this week, said department spokesperson Ben Truman.

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Vermont state epidemiologist Patsy Kelso told Vermont Public on Tuesday that boosters will be available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

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The new shots contain viral material from SARS-CoV-2’s original strain as well as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants,

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the FDA reported, giving people who get it “increased protection against the currently circulating omicron variant.”

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Anyone 12 years and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, while the Moderna vaccine is only available to those 18 years and older, the agency reported.

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This is the second booster dose the FDA has made eligible to the general public, after authorizing the first booster dose in 2021.

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It recommended another booster dose in March for high-risk people and people 50 years and older.

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