Skip to main content

Coronavirus Watch: Will FDA approve mixing and matching booster shots?

Grace Hauck   | Paste BN

Americans may soon be able to receive a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine that is different from the shot they initially received, the New York Times reported.

The decision would fulfill the requests of state health officials, who have been seeking increased flexibility in giving the vaccines.

Last week, an expert panel that advises the FDA recommended booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. That same committee received the results of a study that showed recipients of the J&J vaccine would get enhanced protection from a second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, which relies on a different technology. 

Pfizer boosters were authorized for certain populations last month. The Moderna and J&J boosters are expected to be cleared this week.

It's Tuesday, and this is Coronavirus Watch from the Paste BN Network. Here's more news to know:

  • Washington state's vaccine mandate went into effect Monday for more than 800,000 workers.
  • Nevada won't require face masks at large events where all attendees are vaccinated, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Monday evening.
  • A World Health Organization program is seeking to purchase antiviral COVID-19 drugs, including Merck's experimental pill, at as little as $10 per course for 120 million patients in the world's poorest nations, Reuters reported.
  • Public health officials in the U.K. are calling for new social distancing restrictions as the country is seeing its highest cases levels since mid-July.

Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 45 million COVID-19 cases and 726,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there have been more than 241 million cases and more than 4.9 million deaths. About 66% of people in the U.S. have received at least one vaccine shot, and about 57% are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. Among U.S. adults, 79% have received at least one shot, and about 68% are fully vaccinated.

Tracking the pandemic: See the numbers in your area here. See where cases are rising here. See vaccination rates here. And here, compare vaccinations rates worldwide and see which countries are using which vaccines.

– Grace Hauck, Paste BN breaking news reporter, @grace_hauck

Facebook Twitter Email