The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those with weakened immune systems as soon as Thursday, the New York Times reported Wednesday night.
The emergency-use authorization would apply to both the Pfizer
PFE,
-3.90%
-BioNTech
BNTX,
-13.76%
and Moderna
MRNA,
-15.64%
vaccines, and would benefit those who have had organ transplants or certain immunodeficiencies, the Times reported.
The
news came hours after a Canadian study found a third dose of Moderna’s vaccine substantially improved protections for organ-transplant recipients.
If the FDA gives the go-ahead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to grant its approval during a meeting Friday, the Times said.
The FDA is reportedly aiming to give full approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine by Labor Day, and health officials are studying whether fully vaccinated people should get a booster shot to bolster their protection in the months ahead.
