US Panel Votes No To Pfizer Covid Boosters For Ages 16 And Up
NDTV
The panel of vaccinologists, infectious disease researchers, and epidemiologists voted 16 to 2 against the measure, but left the door open to agreeing to a third shot for older people.
Leading US medical experts advising the government voted against recommending booster doses of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine for everyone aged 16 and up, citing concerns about potential side-effects in younger age groups.
Following a day of data presentations and debate, the panel of vaccinologists, infectious disease researchers, and epidemiologists voted 16 to 2 against the measure, but left the door open to agreeing to a third shot for older people.
"While I would probably support a three dose recommendation for those over 60 or 65, I really have trouble supporting this as written for anyone greater than or equal to 16," said Paul Offit of The Children's Hospital in Philadelphia.
The decision represented a rebuke to President Joe Biden's administration, which had announced a plan to start rollout of booster shots this month before consulting its scientific agencies.
