COVID-19 booster shots may become the new standard to be considered fully vaccinated, according to the nation’s top doctor. Dr. Anthony Fauci discussed the impending need for hundreds of millions of Americans to roll up their sleeves and get the jab during a pre-taped interview that aired at the 2021 STAT Summit in Boston this week, according to ABC News.
“I happen to believe as an immunologist and infectious disease person that a third-shot boost for an mRNA [vaccine] … should be part of the actual standard regimen, where a booster isn’t a luxury,” the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reportedly said.
“A booster isn’t an add-on and a booster is part of what the original regimen should be. So that when we look back on this, we’re going to see that boosters are essential for an optimal vaccine regimen,” Fauci told the audience, according to the network.
The remarks came as New York City and several states this week expanded booster shot eligibility to all adults who were vaccinated against COVID-19 at least six months ago. Until then, the jabs were only available to people 65 years of age and over and those in high-risk situations.
The guidance from the president’s chief medical adviser came as Moderna filed an application with the FDA seeking emergency use authorization for vaccine booster shots for all US residents 18 and older. Pfizer last week asked federal regulators to expand its booster shot eligibility to all Americans. READ MORE
