FDA Gives Green Light to Moderna and J&J Covid Vaccine Boosters for Mix and Match Shots

If you received the J&J covid vaccine and want a booster shot, there is some good news.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Moderna and J&J vaccine boosters and is also allowing for “mix and match” shots.

On Wednesday the FDA authorized Covid vaccine booster shots made by the two companies.

The agency’s ruling now goes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its vaccine advisory committee, which has scheduled a meeting Thursday to discuss Moderna’s and J&J’s booster data.

If the committee issues a recommendation, and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signs off, additional shots for those vaccines could be distributed immediately to eligible people.

“Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock.

“As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death,” she added.

It was last week that the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee unanimously recommended additional shots of both vaccines.

The committee recommended the Moderna booster for elderly people and at-risk adults six months after they complete their primary series of shots.

The FDA also said Wednesday it has identified an increased risk of rare inflammatory heart conditions, myocarditis and pericarditis, following vaccination with the Moderna vaccine, particularly following the second dose. The observed risk is higher among males under 40 years of age, particularly males 18 through 24.

Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.