US advises booster shots 8 months after Pfizer, Moderna vaccinations

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US recommended vaccine boosters on Wednesday for individuals eight months after completing the two-round Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus regiments.

Booster distribution will begin in September as data indicates protection wanes over time, according to a joint statement from US health officials.

"Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout," said top officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The announcement is a rebuke to the World Health Organization who just two weeks ago called for a global booster moratorium to achieve greater international vaccine equity.

The US brushed aside the call, saying it can supply its citizens with booster shots while continuing to distribute vaccines worldwide, and maintaining its spot as the global leader in international deliveries.

The recommendation only applies to those who completed the two-round series of shots for Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines even though the US is also administering another jab from Johnson & Johnson. Health authorities are still evaluating data on when people who received that vaccine will need a booster, but said it is likely they will need one over time.

US President Joe Biden's COVID-19 task force is expected to brief reporters later Wednesday.