White House COVID-19 response coordinator says Americans over 60 should get fourth shot

Americans over age 60 should receive a second booster shot of the coronavirus vaccine, says the new White House COVID-19 response coordinator.

Dr. Ashish Jha made the recommendation Sunday, citing what he called "pretty compelling" new data from Israel that indicates a fourth shot significantly reduced the number of infections and deaths among older people.

However, the study also found that while the fourth dose may reduce severity of infection, its efficacy wanes significantly after a short period of time. 

Jha made the recommendation on "Fox News Sunday," after the Food and Drug Administration late last month authorized a second booster shots of Pfizer and Moderna's COVID vaccines for all individuals aged 50 and older.

The FDA claims its latest move is an effort to strengthen immunity against severe infection as the more contagious subvariant of Omicron – BA.2 – becomes the dominant version of the virus across the U.S.

"The data out of Israel is pretty compelling for people over 60. When people got that second booster shot four months after their first booster, what we saw was a substantial reduction, not just in infections, but in deaths. So I think people over 60 should be getting it," said Jha, who started at his new post last month.

In another TV appearance this past weekend, on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Jha explained that the need for a booster in those younger than 60 is much more marginal.

"Fifty to 59, you’re eligible," he said. "But for me, based on the data, 60 and above, I think it’s very reasonable. This is what I’ve recommended to my elderly parents, and that’s what I think people should do."

He also said  U.S. vaccines "are holding up really well against BA.2. ... So the key here is you’ve got to have the initial two shots, and you’ve got to have a booster. That’s what’s really protecting people at this moment."