FDA authorizes booster of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Federal officials have authorized a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a focus on several higher-risk groups. 

On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the booster is for people in three specific groups, at least six months after receiving the standard two doses of the vaccine. They are: people age 65 or older; ages 18-64 and at high risk of severe COVID-19; and ages 18-64 and at high risk of the virus due to “frequent institutional or occupational exposure”. 

The FDA decision amended the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine's emergency use authorization. Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock noted the context of the decision. 

“This pandemic is dynamic and evolving, with new data about vaccine safety and effectiveness becoming available every day,” Woodcock said in a statement. “As we learn more about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including the use of a booster dose, we will continue to evaluate the rapidly changing science and keep the public informed.”

Before the booster is made available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its advisers still have to detail who should receive the extra shot, according to The Washington Post. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to make its recommendation on Thursday. After full approval, the booster is expected to be available at pharmacies and some doctor’s offices as soon as this week, the Post reported. 

States have been gearing up to prepare for this approval, including Vermont. At Tuesday’s state press conference, Human Services Secretary Mike Smith said registration for Pfizer booster shots should start the day after they receive full approval.

“We have been actively planning for those that may qualify for boosters, making some assumptions so that we could be ready when approval comes through,” Smith said. 

All this comes as the nation continues to face the Delta variant of COVID-19, however recent statistics show that cases are beginning to come down in some western and southern states where cases skyrocketed at the beginning of the Delta wave, according to data announced at Tuesday’s Vermont press conference. That trend has not yet hit New England, Vermont officials said Tuesday. 

Statewide, 87.4% of Vermonters had received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as of Tuesday, and over 78% were fully vaccinated. Though Vermont’s hospitalizations due to the virus have trended upward in the past week, officials said Vermont continues to have the fewest COVID hospitalizations of any U.S. state.

— Gareth Henderson

Update (9/23/21): The state has issued an update at this link about starting initial Pfizer booster shots on Friday, Sept. 24, as well as details about availability in the coming weeks.

Update (9/24/21): Following this morning’s announcement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., the state will expand eligibility for booster shots to people aged 18 to 64 with underlying medical conditions on Friday, Oct. 1. It is anticipated these conditions will be more specifically defined by the CDC later today.

Car racing adds some humor on heavy news day

A brilliant sunset illuminates the clouds in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

When the Daytona 500 kicks off on Sunday, we’ll already have some indication who the governor of Vermont will be cheering for. 

That’s because car racing briefly came up during Vermont Gov. Phil Scott’s press briefing on Friday. But perhaps it wasn’t too surprising. After all, Scott is a longtime stock-car racer and began racing at Thunder Road in his hometown of Barre, Vermont, in the early 1990s. 

The conversation turned to sports on Friday, after a reporter asked about a proposal in the Legislature that would extend sports betting to Vermont. It’s an effort Scott supported, given that it could bring much-needed revenue to the state.

“Where (the money) goes will be determined, but we have a lot of need, and in some respects, getting this on the table is good news,” Scott said. 

The next question for the governor was, “Who are you betting on for the Daytona 500?” Scott said he wasn’t betting as that’s not permitted in the state at this point. 

“But I have my favorites,” Scott said with a grin. When pressed, he humorously replied, “A lot of different drivers.” 

The real favorite might be one car in particular — like #42, a Chevrolet driven by Ross Chastain. 

“We have a lot of different connections, in terms of Vermonters being part of NASCAR teams,” Scott said. “In fact, my godson is a crew chief on the 42 car, so that will be on the top of the list for me.” 

That provided a light moment during a day that was heavy with news for the Green Mountain State, particularly for vaccination and schools. 

On the school side, Education Secretary Dan French unveiled new guidance that will soon allow for music rehearsals and performances in schools, albeit with restrictions. Full details will be published online next week.

As Vermont moves further into the recovery phase, restoring activities like music will “go a long way toward restoring a sense of normalcy” in students’ lives, French said. 

Some of the restrictions school music programs will have to follow include: 

• All performers will be required to have a 6-by-6-foot distance around them when performing (for trombones, the distance required is 6-by-9 feet). 

• Students playing woodwind and brass instruments will be required to wear masks with slits in them while performing.

• The air in rehearsal spaces will need to have three complete exchanges per hour. 

• Rehearsals are limited to 30 minutes each. 

• No audiences are allowed during performances. 

French said other areas in the education arts will be looked at as well. 

“Music is essential to the well-being and academic success of our students,” French said. “In the coming weeks, we’ll look at other areas of our guidance, such as the performing arts and theater, and do a similar evaluation.”

Progress was also announced on COVID-19 vaccination efforts. As of Tuesday, Vermonters age 70 and older will be able to register online for their vaccine appointments, as announced by Scott at the press briefing. That’s the next part of Phase 2 of the state’s vaccination process. For the past several weeks, vaccination sign-ups have been limited to the 75+ age group (or “age band”, as the state puts it). Eligible Vermonters can register at healthvermont.gov/myvaccine or call 855-722-7878.

On Friday, Scott said the progress has been faster than anticipated, with over 85% of the 75+ group having been scheduled for, or already received, their vaccinations.

“Opening to the next age band is an important step, especially with hope on the horizon for increased supply and approval of new vaccines,” Scott said.

— Gareth Henderson