What to expect as FDA advisory panel debates Pfizer COVID booster shots
ABC News
The FDA's independent advisory committee will review data submitted by Pfizer and discuss whether a booster dose is safe for widespread use on Friday.
The Food and Drug Administration's independent advisory committee will convene in open session Friday to review the latest data submitted by Pfizer and discuss whether a booster dose is safe enough for widespread use and whether it's necessary and effective at improving protection levels against COVID-19.
Their vote will be non-binding -- the FDA is not required to follow the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee's (VRBPAC) recommendations -- but they generally do so.
After that vote, the FDA will decide whether they will formally amend their current vaccine approval for Pfizer. Next week the matter heads to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's independent advisory panel (ACIP), where that panel will weigh on a more granular level who should get a booster and when? The CDC director will then formally sign off on whatever ACIP recommends.
Friday morning's opening remarks are set to kick off at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by introductions by the FDA, presentations from CDC representatives, a discussion about booster protection and a presentation from Pfizer executives who will make the case for why boosters are appropriate.
