CDC/FDA approve boosters for 16-17 year olds

This is in light of strong data showing that boosters significantly increase protection against COVID-19

In some pretty big news, both the FDA and the CDC today approved booster doses for 16-17 year olds. 18+ boosters were approved recently. The CDC made this recommendation to get ahead of the Omicron variant, in light of data now that shows that booster shots confer significantly increased protection against infection from COVID-19, and may do so for Omicron as well. Here’s the excerpt from the CDC press release:

“Today, CDC is strengthening its booster recommendations and encouraging everyone 16 and older to receive a booster shot. 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. We know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I strongly encourage adolescents ages 16 and 17 to get their booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.” - Rochelle Walensky, CDC director.

The FDA/CDC have made this recommendation based on the overall positive data that we are seeing with boosters. There is data on this (see slides from CDC ACIP meeting), and is visualized in this very striking graph below. Booster shots worked far better (blue line) at protecting from infection than the 2 doses (red line).

You can also read my post on the data on efficacy of booster shots.

At this time only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for 16-17 year olds, so if you decide to get your kids vaccinated, that’s the one they would get.

Side effects?

A lot of parents may be rightfully worried about the risks of adverse events from a booster dose, especially myocarditis. Thankfully, there is no evidence that a booster dose increases the risk of myocarditis in this age group, so you can rest assured!

Should you get your 16-17 year old a booster?

Here’s what I would say. If they are not vaccinated at all, please consider getting them vaccinated with 2 doses, at the very least. If they are already fully vaccinated with 2 doses, but it’s been a few months, they will still have very strong protection against severe illness, although they may be at higher risk of breakthrough. You can consider getting them boosted to protect them to the fullest extent. Also, please always discuss with their pediatrician!

Questions/thoughts? Please leave a comment and please consider sharing this with your friends and family! Thanks for reading!

Dr. Siyab