The following statement is attributable to:
Susan R. Bailey, M.D.
Immediate Past President, American Medical Association
“The AMA appreciates the efforts undertaken by the CDC and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend a booster dose of the Moderna and J&J COVID-19 vaccines in certain populations, and the flexibility for individuals to choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Under the FDA’s authorization and the CDC’s recommendations, physicians and other vaccine providers will be permitted to offer a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, at least six months after the primary series, to individuals 65 years of age and older, long-term care facility residents, and to those aged 18–64 with underlying medical conditions or who live and work in high-risk settings. The recommendations also support a booster dose of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals 18 years of age and older who were vaccinated with a J&J dose two or more months ago, which the data shows may be necessary to offer the same level of protection as those who received mRNA vaccines.
“We believe the FDA’s authorization and the CDC's recommendations in support of booster doses, including the flexibility to mix-and-match products, will help provide continued protection against COVID-19 for those who need it most. The balance of benefits and risks for booster doses varies, and we encourage those who have questions to reach out to their physician or vaccine provider.
“The scientific evidence is clear that the vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and remain effective in preventing hospitalization and severe disease. We continue to strongly urge everyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 and is eligible, including pregnant people, to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones. We also encourage the public to continue taking evidence-based public health measures, such as physical distancing and wearing face masks, to help protect those not yet eligible for vaccination.
“Anyone with questions about the vaccines should speak with their physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.”
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
