A four-state scientific review panel that includes Oregon has concurred with the federal decision to expand COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility to all adults, clearing the final hurdle to allow the administration of booster doses to everyone 18 and older.
The medical experts part of the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup met Friday night and Saturday morning, issuing a two-page letter to the governors of Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada saying booster expansion was necessary to sustain protection against COVID-19, especially among those at increased risk for hospitalization and severe disease. Their decision follows approvals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration expanding eligibility nationwide.
The Oregon Health Authority said it was immediately telling health care providers that those 18 and older were eligible.
“Starting today, every adult who wants a booster will be able to get one,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement. “Vaccines are our pathway out of this pandemic.”
The flurry of decisions simplifies what had been a labyrinthine system for deciding eligibility based on age, health conditions and other factors, one that 10 states had already independently decided to ignore and make all adults eligible.
The federal FDA and CDC are now allowing anyone 18 or older who received a two-dose vaccine from Pfizer or Moderna to choose either company’s booster six months after their last dose — regardless of which vaccine they had first. Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster two months after their first dose.
The western review also endorsed the federal recommendation that all adults older than 50 should get a booster, while those 18-49 may get one.
“This review and subsequent approval of booster doses helps to loosen COVID-19′s grip on our communities and it will ultimately save more lives,” said Rachael Banks, the Oregon Health Authority’s public health director.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
— Rob Davis
503.294.7657; @robwdavis
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