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Coronavirus

FDA authorizes Pfizer and Moderna vaccine booster shots for all adults

Boosters could be available for all adults as soon as this weekend

November 19, 2021 8:49am

Updated: November 19, 2021 10:17am

The FDA on Friday authorized the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine booster shots for all adults. 

The request for approval from both drug companies comes as an increased number of states begin to push booster shots on their adult populations, leapfrogging thee guidance from the CDC, which currently only recommends boosters for specific groups.

The booster shots are designed to stamp out waning immunity to the novel coronavirus and its variants from the initial round of vaccines.

The CDC's panel of vaccine experts will meet later on Friday to discuss the FDA's movements on the Pfizer and possibly Moderna applications. Should CDC director Rochelle Walensky sign off, the boosters may be available for all adults beginning as soon as this weekend.