The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on Thursday completed its review of the federal process and has recommended expanding Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose eligibility to anyone 12 years of age and older who completed their primary vaccination series at least five months ago.
The workgroup also confirmed the federal authorization of a third vaccine dose for certain immunocompromised children ages 5 to 11.
The Workgroup provided its confirmation to the governors of California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington on Wednesday.
The workgroup recommended the following actions regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine:
• Expand the use of a single Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose to include use in individuals 12 through 15 years of age;
• Shorten the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose to at least five months;
• Allow for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.
"It's simple, vaccines save lives,” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Everyone 12 and older should keep their immunity strong and protect themselves and their families against COVID-19, including the highly transmissible Omicron variant, by getting a booster dose. The state has ample vaccine supply, so don’t wait — get your booster today.”
On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the expanded use of the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot and the CDC affirmed those decisions on Wednesday. The Workgroup reviewed and affirmed the federal decisions Wednesday evening and Thursday.
California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly and Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement on the workgroup’s recommendation.
“Getting a booster shot is the best way to keep your immunity strong and protect you and your loved ones from being hospitalized or dying because of COVID-19, including from the fast-spreading Omicron variant. With today’s recommendation expanding booster eligibility to those 12 and older, as well as decreasing the time between primary series and booster dose to five months for Pfizer vaccine recipients, Californians should go out and get themselves and their children boosted. The state has ample vaccine supply, so don’t wait – get your booster today,” the statement said.
They also said that now is not the time to let our guard down. All Californians, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to practice the safety basics – wear a mask with good fit and filtration indoors, get tested if you’re exposed to the virus or have symptoms, improve ventilation indoors, and stay home when sick.
Washington, Oregon and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October 2020.
The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.
MyTurn.ca.gov is currently being updated to reflect the expanded eligibility. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their youth’s health care provider to schedule their booster appointment.
For the latest information on the Omicron variant, go to CDPH.ca.gov and to find a COVID-19 testing site, call 833-422-4255 or visit your local county public health website.
Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup expands use of Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose for 12- to 15-year olds
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