The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended the use of Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) COVID-19 Vaccine for people 16 and older. ACIP’s recommendation follows FDA’s approval of this vaccine for use as a two-dose series (sometimes called the “primary series”) for people 16 years and older, and included a careful examination of available data.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) as: a 2-dose primary series for adolescents 12 through 15 years old; and an additional (third) dose for people 12 years of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The decision does not affect CDC’s recommendations for using the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines for people 18 years and older.
Earlier in August, HHS announced a plan to begin offering COVID-19 booster shots to people this fall. It is important to note that: implementation of the plan is subject to the FDA authorizing boosters and by ACIP recommending them.
Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop this pandemic, especially at a time when the Delta variant is surging. Thank you for everything that you have done and are continuing to do to make sure everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines.