Utah doctor reacts to booster recommendation for 16-and 17-year-olds
Dec 9, 2021, 4:21 PM
In this photo illustration, a medical syringe and vials of the Pfizer US pharmaceutical corporation and BioNTech German biotechnology 2021 company logos are seen on Oct. 03, 2021, in New York City. (Photo Illustration by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Pfizer/BioNTech)
(Photo Illustration by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Pfizer/BioNTech)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the use of Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds Thursday.
Previously, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was only recommended for those 18 and up. Now anyone 16 or older who had their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, is eligible. But only Pfizer vaccine has been recommended for 16- and 17-year-olds, those who have had the Moderna shot will have to wait.
Dr. Leisha Nolen, a state epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health, was excited about the announcement.
“It is wonderful news that everyone 16 and older can now get a booster. Almost 500,000 Utah residents have already gotten their booster dose and now we can protect even more people,” Dr. Leisha Nolen, said. “Booster doses give an extra layer of protection against COVID-19. As we move into the winter months, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get a booster dose to go get their shot so that they can have a safe holiday season. If you’re someone who hasn’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine yet, please get one now.”
To find locations throughout Utah that offer COVID-19 vaccines visit coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine.
