Joe Biden will take second booster shot after medical consultation: White House
- FDA authorised the dose for everyone above the age of 50
- Biden got the last booster in September 2021
- Multiple White House staffers tested positive for COVID recently
United States President Joe Biden became eligible for yet another COVID-19 booster shot on Tuesday as the Food and Drug Administration expanded the authorisation for Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine for people aged above 50. However, Biden will consult a doctor before taking the shot, the White House said.
Kate Bedingfield, the communications director for the White House, said in a press briefing on Tuesday, “Obviously, if his doctor recommends that he receive a fourth booster then he would, but he’ll make that decision in consultation with his doctor”, according to reports from CNN.
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Biden, 79, received his first-ever COVID-19 vaccine in late 2020 and the follow-up shot in January. The United States President was administered the first booster shot in September last year, according to reports from CNBC. All of the COVID-19 vaccines he has received have been produced by Pfizer.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris, who is 57 years old, is also eligible to get the additional booster shot cleared by the country’s health regulators on Tuesday. Veep Harris got the Moderna booster shot in October last year.
Multiple senior White House staffers have tested positive for COVID-19 recently. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary tested positive for the virus before leaving for Europe with Biden. Psaki’s deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre also tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the diplomatic trip to Europe.
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Dr Rochelle Walensky, the director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said it was especially important for older Americans — those 65 and older — and the 50-somethings with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes to consider another shot.
“They are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time,” CDC director Walensky said.
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