COVID-19: U.S. Approves Pfizer Vaccine For 'At-Risk' Groups

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved coronavirus booster vaccinations with BioNTech/Pfizer’s drug for the elderly and at-risk groups.

The FDA announced the decision on Wednesday evening, in line with a recommendation from an expert panel last week.

The move means another single vaccine dose was approved in the U.S. at least six months after the first two doses for people over 65 and younger people considered high-risk because of their health or occupations.

Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said boosters would be allowed for groups including health care workers, teachers, supermarket workers, and people in homeless shelters or prisons.

It was based on scientific evidence and the advisory committee’s recommendation, she said.

“We will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed,’’ Woodcock said.

The FDA’s expert panel concluded on Friday that the data did not justify introducing booster shots to the general population of over 16.

U.S. President Joe Biden had already announced a start date of September 20, for all those vaccinated eight months ago to get a third dose.