FDA expands Pfizer vaccine’s booster authorization to include 16- and 17-year-olds; CDC recommends

The Food and Drug Administration today announced the widely anticipated expansion of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization to allow booster doses for 16- and 17-year-olds. The FDA said boosters for this age group should be administered at least six months following the completion of an initial two-dose regiment. Following FDA’s decision, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally recommended boosters for this age group. 

“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I strongly encourage adolescents ages 16 and 17 to get their booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D.