Pfizer vaccine booster shots okayed

Last week, the federal Centers for Disease Control approved the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster vaccinations to older Americans and other people who are vulnerable to infection.

Those include people in high-risk occupations and institutional settings.

About 60 million Americans qualify for the third vaccination.

Earlier last week, the Food and Drug Administration also authorized the booster shots.

The CDC’s recommendations are:

• Those ages 65 or older, long-term care residents and people ages 50-64 with underlying medical conditions should get a booster at least six months after getting their second shot.

• People ages 18-49 with underlying medical conditions may get a booster.

• People ages 18-64 who are at increased risk for COVID exposure because of their job or being in an institutional setting may get a booster.

Friday, Virginia state vaccination coordinator Dr. Danny Avula welcomed the CDC decision.

The Virginia Department of Health has been preparing for booster authorization, Avula said in a press release. The department will be providing information about getting the shot at vaccinate.virginia.gov.