Both U.S. President Joe Biden, 79, and Vice President Kamala Harris, 57, are eligible to get a second COVID-19 booster shot.
White House Director of Communications Kate Bedingfield said Tuesday that she couldn’t speak for Harris and that Biden would consult with his doctor about whether to get the additional shot. The president got his second booster Wednesday.
“So, I can speak to the President, who will make this decision in consultation with his doctor,” Bedingfield said. “Obviously, if his doctor recommends that he receive a fourth booster, then he would. But he’ll make that decision in consultation with his doctor.”
Biden received his second booster shot while addressing the nation about the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that additional booster doses of Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines were approved for administration in people over 50 years old and immunocompromised people. Following the announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations accordingly.
“Today, CDC expanded eligibility for an additional booster dose for certain individuals who may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Boosters are safe, and people over the age of 50 can now get an additional booster [four] months after their prior dose to increase their protection further,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. “This is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19 as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.”
Walensky said the CDC and other regulatory agencies will continue to research whether a second booster is necessary for the general population.
According to Bedingfield, the U.S. has “plenty of supply” to ensure that people over 50 and immunocompromised people get additional booster doses. However, she said more funding would be needed in order to provide the additional doses to the whole country.
Currently, the CDC recommends a three-dose initial series of COVID-19 vaccine for certain immunocompromised individuals, as well as the two booster shots. For most of the population, the CDC currently recommends a two-dose initial round followed by one booster dose.
According to CNN, both White House press secretary Jen Psaki and White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, recently tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier this month, second gentleman Doug Emhoff also tested positive for the virus.
In accordance with federal public health guidelines, officials and visitors have not been required to wear masks or social distance in the White House. Biden, people who work closely with the president and White House visitors are required to test for COVID-19.
“Employees who surround the President are tested on a regular cadence here on campus to screen for COVID,” said Bedingfield. “That is a step beyond CDC guidance to help lower the risk of COVID on campus. We do regular – regular screening, testing.”
Related
Related
