CDC: Data underscores value of COVID-19 boosters

Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate COVID-19 booster shots were instrumental in reducing hospitalizations in January 2022. Compared to adults who were vaccinated and boosted, unvaccinated adults were 12 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19, and vaccinated but unboosted adults were three times more likely, the CDC reported. A separate CDC study found 3 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine reduced the use of mechanical ventilation and the risk of death by 94% during the omicron variant surge. This month, Pfizer and Moderna requested Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization for second booster doses, a step some experts questioned. Others said the administration lacked funds to purchase additional boosters, even if the FDA authorizes them. (MMWR article, 3/18/22)