US FDA to allow mixing and matching of COVID-19 boosters

iStock

The US Food and Drug Administration is planning to allow Americans to get a different booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine than the one initially taken, the New York Times reported.

The FDA in September authorised a booster dose of Pfizer Inc and partner BioNTech's two-shot COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans.

The regulator's advisory panel has also backed the use of Moderna Inc and Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

The government would not recommend one shot over another, and it might note that using the same vaccine as a booster when possible is preferable, the NYT report said, citing people familiar with the agency's plans.

The FDA declined to comment on the matter.

US health officials have been under pressure to authorise the additional shots after the White House announced plans in August for a widespread booster campaign pending approvals from the FDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A study by the National Institutes of Health last week showed people who got Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine as a first shot had a stronger immune response when boosted with vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

More from International news

News

  • UAE launches annual award to honour changemakers

    The UAE Year Of Award has been launched to honour individuals and institutions who create meaningful impact and strengthen a culture of community action to make each annual "UAE Year Of" theme into a lasting national legacy.

  • UAE welcomes Gaza agreement for Hamas disarmament

    The UAE has welcomed an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump for Hamas to disarm and Israeli troops to withdraw in Gaza, calling it a significant milestone towards ending the conflict.

  • Sheikh Abdullah meets UK Foreign Secretary in London

    Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost cooperation across key sectors during talks with UK Foreign Secretary in London.