BNTX - FDA poised to authorize second Omicron COVID boosters for some - WaPo

2023-04-03 18:44:09 ET

In the next few weeks, the US FDA is likely to authorize a second booster shot specifically targeting COVID-19 Omicron variants for older individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

The Washington Post reported that the goal is to provide those who are most at-risk from COVID complications with better protection.

Individuals who are 65 and older or who have weakened immune systems can get the second shot -- known as a bivalent vaccine as it also contains protection against the original COVID strain as well as BA.4 and BA.5 -- as long as it has been at least four months since their first bivalent booster.

The newspaper said that the FDA policy on the second booster will be "permissive" as people will not be directly told to get it.

The news comes as the major mRNA COVID vaccine makers -- Pfizer ( NYSE: PFE )/BioNTech ( BNTX ) and Moderna ( MRNA ) -- have warned of declining COVID shot revenues in 2023.

The COVID-19 public health emergency is ending in May , so COVID shots and treatments will then become available on the commercial market.

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