October 22, 2021
Life Sciences
  • A panel of CDC vaccine advisors approved boosters for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, as well as mixing-and-matching shots. The panel unanimously voted 15-0 to recommend booster doses for all individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and a half-dose of the Moderna vaccine for adults ages 65 and up and adults 18 to 64 years old who are at high risk because of underlying medical conditions or their work environments. (Articles here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)
  • Pfizer released a study indicating that smaller doses of its COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 appear safe and are nearly 91 percent effective at preventing symptomatic disease. The study was released ahead of an FDA advisory panel meeting October 26, where regulators will decide if the agency should recommend authorizing the vaccine for children. (Articles here, here, here, here, and here)