WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden told Americans last month that, “as a simple rule,” they should plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot eight months after their last dose, starting Sept. 20.
But weeks before that federal booster shot program is set to begin, his plan faces growing skepticism from key decision-makers.
Two of the three vaccine manufacturers have only just submitted booster shot data to the Food and Drug Administration. None has provided data demonstrating the average adult needs a booster eight months after their last shot in order to stave off severe disease or death. And key advisers have indicated they are not prepared to recommend their use for anyone but the most at-risk individuals by that deadline.
