The FDA has expanded the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose among certain populations.
This announcement comes one month after a similar EUA update was made to the Pfizer vaccine, which also allowed for an additional booster dose. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may now be administered at least six months after completion of the primary vaccine series to individuals:
- 65 years of age and older
- 18-64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18-64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to COVID-19
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine may be administered at least two months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to any individual aged 18 or older.
Furthermore, the FDA clarified that after finishing an initial vaccination regimen, individuals may mix and match which vaccine they use for a booster dose.
With the Delta variant and other factors allowing the pandemic to continue, the use of booster doses can be beneficial in protecting members of the workforce from COVID-19. And with more clinical data supporting booster doses, certain workplace policies and business rules may continue to embrace or require them.
