HHS Releases plan for COVID-19 Booster Doses for all Americans

posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 in COVID-19

From the Iowa Department of Public Health: 

Today (Aug. 18, 2021) , Health and Human Services (HHS) public health and medical experts released a joint statement on the plan for COVID-19 booster doses for all Americans beginning the week of September 20, 2021. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster.

HHS, CDC, and FDA continue to study data to understand how long vaccine protection lasts. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines continue to effectively reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the highly prevalent Delta variant. Evidence has shown that over time vaccines provide less protection against mild and moderate COVID-19 disease in certain populations. People who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout might need a booster dose to continue to have the maximum protection that the vaccines provide.