Health experts to soon recommend a third coronavirus vaccine dose for everyone

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Vaccine makers are preparing for a next possible phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, which would allow for booster shots for all Americans, not just those with weakened immune systems.

On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines for certain immunocompromised people.

Now, U.S. experts are expected to recommend vaccine boosters regardless of age, eight months after individuals received their second dose of the shot.

Pfizer said Monday, it has submitted data from a phase one study to the FDA supporting the use of a third, or booster, dose of the vaccine. Doses would only be given out once the FDA formally approves the vaccines, which is expected for Pfizer in the coming weeks.

Some experts suspect antibodies against COVID-19 produced through the vaccines may diminish over time, maybe after about a year or more, making it less likely to protect you against variants. However, officials said the third dose would ensure lasting protection as the delta variant spreads across the country.

The Biden administration is expected to announce that everyone should get a booster 8 months after completing their initial vaccination. The announcement could come as soon as this week.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are all currently investigating the potential use of boosters.

You can find more information about the vaccines here.