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Pfizer To Share COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Data With US Health Officials

Scientists with Pfizer are set to talk with U.S. health officials on Monday to discuss the possible need for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The company will be sharing data from Israel that shows a marked decline in cases among those who have received a third dose, despite the spread of the delta variant. Israel will offer a third dose to those who are immune-compromised and the U.K. is considering booster shots as well.

Here in the U.S., Officials with the CDC and the FDA say booster shots are not needed “at this time.” Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President points out the key phrase “at this time” and adds “That doesn’t mean we stop there. There are studies being done now ongoing, as we speak, about looking at the feasibility about if and when we should be boosting people.”

There are also questions about who should get COVID-19 booster shots and when. Getting further FDA approval takes time and that’s what former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb finds concerning. “That’s a multi-month process so if we don’t get started right now we’re not going to be in a position to have boosters available should we need it come the fall.”

The number of Americans lining up to get vaccinated has declined sharply in the past few months so the focus of getting the shots into people's arms has shifted. Large vaccination centers have been replaced with localized vaccination sites across the country. Supplies are available at local pharmacies, health departments, and pop-up clinics and often times appointments are no longer needed.

To find a vaccination site near you log on to https://www.vaccines.gov/search/