CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky today announced that the CDC recommends and encourages booster shots for ages 16 and 17, as well as reinforcing the previous announcement that those older than 18 get the booster.  

“Although we don’t have all the answers on the Omicron variant, initial data suggests that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen the protection against Omicron and other variants,” Wallensky said.  

At this time, the FDA has authorized only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 16 and 17. Data supporting the authorization can be found here. The CDC is making more information available at its booster page.  

In treatment news, the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for new long-acting monoclonal antibodies to prevent COVID infection. 

The recommendation is for only those with “severely compromised” immunity and a history of “severe adverse reactions.” Full details on the authorization, the product, and its use are available here.