The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, for its acronym in English) authorized this Tuesday a second booster of the COVID-19 vaccine for people over 50 years of age and immunosuppressed.
The move comes amid early signs that the United States could soon experience another wave of coronavirus, as the omicron subvariant, known as BA.2, spreads across Europe and other parts of the world.
Vaccines may be given at least four months after the first booster dose.
The FDA, about to authorize a second booster of the vaccine against COVID-19
March 26, 202200:19
Some countries, including the UK, Chile, Israel and Sweden, have already approved a fourth vaccine for certain vulnerable populations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends a fourth dose for immunosuppressed people.
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Earlier this month, Moderna applied to the FDA for authorization for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, after Pfizer-BioNTech asked for the go-ahead for a second booster aimed at people over 65.
Both companies said the protection from the first booster dose weakened after a few months.
The second booster is expected to be available immediately after the CDC makes a decision about who should get it.