Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Program — Booster Doses

Following Friday’s meeting of the FDA’s Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), Governor Kathy Hochul posted the following message to New Yorkers:  “While we still await a final federal decision and guidance on COVID-19 vaccine boosters, we continue to encourage all New Yorkers to #GetVaccinated. We are prepared if boosters are recommended by the FDA and CDC, and we will notify New Yorkers of any next steps.”

The VRBPAC members voted unanimously to recommend that people age 65 and older and those considered at “high risk of severe COVID-19” receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the second dose. The FDA is reviewing this recommendation to determine whether to add this use to the Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet on September 22 and 23 and will review the VRBPAC recommendations and any related FDA actions.  It is anticipated that ACIP will provide additional guidance on who is considered at “high risk of severe COVID-19”.  Following the conclusion of the ACIP meeting, the CDC Director will consider the ACIP recommendations and make any official CDC recommendation for use of boosters in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.  We will keep you posted on next steps after the FDA and CDC take their actions.

Thank you for your participation in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.  Your active involvement is essential to get New Yorkers vaccinated and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Team

NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Jackie Pappalardi, RN, BSN
Executive Director
518-462-4800 x16

Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15