The need for a booster shot has been under the public eye since the summer. Many countries, such as Israel and Chile, have already begun administering the third jab. The Israel virus czar has even talked about the need for a fourth dose in the future. Back in August, US health officials, including the CDC and HHS wrote a joint statement about the need for Covid-19 vaccine booster shots. This came after Biden’s Administration already mentioned plans to offer the shots as soon as possible. At the same time, many U.S citizens were skeptical about getting the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines. Because the Administration seemed to be in a rush and announced plans for booster jabs before the FDA and CDC, some wonder if the government was interfering with public health and regulation agencies.
The Administration did not follow the traditional way
According to Dr. Willian Schaffner, the FDA is the first to analyze data from vaccine manufacturers. After reaching conclusions, the CDC’s health experts conclude when and if fully vaccinated people are to receive their booster shots. Then, the Administration should announce plans regarding dates for booster jabs. Dr. Schaffner declared in an interview that the fact that it appeared that the government went ahead of the FDA and the CDC, some could think that independent federal regulators might be intimidated. However, Dr. Schaffner, who is a member of the ACIP, has mentioned that the FDA and CDC maintain rigorous standards and are independent of the Biden Administration.
It is important to understand that the announcement regarding booster jabs might have been released before the FDA and CDC’s recommendations, but health experts were already working on the process. Although the Biden Administration wants fully vaccinated people to receive booster shots starting September 20, those who received the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine might have to wait a little longer until the company manufactures all the vaccines needed for a third jab.
