CDC supports Third Dose of Coronavirus Vaccine for Millions of Older Americans

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday endorsed a third booster dose for millions of Americans older or vulnerable to the coronavirus, which opened a new phase in the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 in the country.

Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, signed the recommendations of an advisory panel Thursday night.

According to experts, the booster dose should be offered to 65-year-olds, residents in senior centers and those between 50 and 64 years with previous dangerous pathologies. The third dose should be given at least six months after receiving the second Pfizer-BioNTech.

Walensky also decided to make a recommendation that had been rejected by the expert committee.

The advisers had voted against saying that the population between 18 and 64 years old could receive the new injection if they work in health or have a job that puts them at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

But the agency director disagreed with this decision and included the recommendation, noting that it is consistent with the FDA clearance for the booster dose issued earlier in the week.