On September 17, the FDA debated if COVID-19 vaccine are needed and who will receive Emergency Use Authorization if approved.
The FDA meeting related to COVID-19 vaccine booster lasted eight hours with presentation and evidence for and against booster dose. Video and materials can be found on the FDA website. The panel voted 16-2 against distribution of vaccine to population 16 and older, but had unanimously recommended for populations with high risk of suffering severe illness from COVID-19. These population include people age 65 and older, people with heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other comorbidities.
With COVID-19 vaccine immunity waning with time, are booster really needed for the rest of the population? Data from Israel, the United Kingdom and other countries shows that COVID-19 vaccines are losing their strength, new variants may pose a threat for boosters, and questions if new vaccines needed. Experts agree that eventually boosters will be needed, but now it is a question of when and how will vaccines be distributed.
NATURE: COVID Vaccine Immunity is Waning – How much does that matter?
FDA: Vaccine and Related Biological Product Advisory Committee Meeting
STATNEWS: Play-by-Play of FDA Advisory Committee Meeting
