As expected, the federal government is now recommending booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine — and it will start making those available in about a month.
Top health officials have announced plans to make booster shots available for fully-vaccinated residents the week of Sept. 20, saying there is evidence the Modena and Pfizer vaccines lose their effectiveness over time.
The current plan resembles the setup when vaccines were first made available in January — health care workers, nursing home residents and others at high risk will have the first chance of getting the booster shots. The next round of vaccinations is designed to take place eight months after fully-vaccinated residents received their second dose with either the Pfizer or Moderna medications. The single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not included at this time because research continues into its extended effectiveness against COVID-19, but health officials expect booster shots may be needed with that vaccine as well.
People with compromised immune systems due to certain medical issues or treatments were made eligible for a booster dose as part of related news last week.
This will increase public concerns about the effectiveness of the different vaccines, but the Biden administration still says vaccination is the best protection against major illness or death.
Information from ABC News was used in this report.
