On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention upped their guidance, saying everyone over age 18 should get a COVID-19 booster shot.
It was previously advised that those age 50 and older and those 18 and above in long-term care should get the booster.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated “Today, CDC is strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older”.
“The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” she explained.
The CDC said adults should get a booster shots six months after their second dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine or two months after the Johnson & Johnson shot.
Walensky pointed out that data from South Africa suggests the omicron variant is highly transmissible. Scientists across the world are “urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant”.
” also want to encourage people to get a COVID-19 test if they are sick. Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly,” Walensky added. She also encouraged the vaccination of teenagers and children to build immunity.
A press conference at the White House with Dr. Anthony Fauci was held Monday to discuss the omicron variant. When discussing vaccines and boosters, President Biden said “There’s no excuse. There are over 80,000 places you can get it done. I mean, there’s just there’s no reason. It’s free, it’s available, and if you qualify for the booster, get it done today”.