US authorizes Pfizer booster jabs for over 65s and adults at risk

The United States has authorized the use of boosters of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for people aged over 65, as well as adults at high risk of severe disease and those in high-exposure jobs.

The announcement means a significant part of the population — amounting to tens of millions of Americans — are now eligible for a third shot six months after their second.

The decision was expected and came after an independent expert panel convened by the regulatory agency last week voted in favor of recommending the move.

The panel, however, rejected an initial plan by the White House to fully approve Pfizer boosters to everyone aged 16 and over, in what amounted to a rare rebuke of President Joe Biden’s administration.