CDC panel set to discuss booster shots after FDA authorization

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The U.S Food and Drug Administration has amended the emergency use authorization for both the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines to allow a third dose for immunocompromised individuals.

However, the FDA authorization is not the final step. The CDC advisory panel is set to meet Friday and must issue a recommendation to distribute the booster shots. The panel will discuss further clinical recommendations regarding immunocompromised people.

If the CDC accepts the advisory group's recommendation, the third shots could begin immediately.

On Thursday, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said an additional dose could help increase protection for immunocompromised individuals.

"This action is about ensuring our most vulnerable, who may need an additional dose to enhance their biological responses to the vaccine, are better protected against COVID-19," Walensky said.

More than one million people have already received a third shot of the Moderna or Pficer COVID-19 vaccine prior to the booster's authorization.

However, health officials estimate the 1.1 million third shots is likely an under count, since it did not include people who also have had the one dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and then received a second dose of either Moderna or Pfizer.

Florida, Ohio, California, Illinois and Tennessee have reported the highest number of people who have received a third shot already before the FDA authorized it late Thursday.

Federal health officials aren't recommending extra doses for the general public at this time.