FDA to Limit Approvals of New COVID Vaccines to Elderly, High-Risk Groups — But Hundreds of Millions Still Eligible for the Shots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled plans today to limit approvals for updated COVID-19 vaccines to people over age 65 and people with one or more health conditions that put them at high risk for the virus.

The decision marks a shift in the agency’s approach to the shots, which were previously approved for all people ages 12 and older and, under emergency use authorization, for babies and children ages 6 months through 11 years. 

Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which makes recommendations for FDA-approved medications, plans to stop recommending that pregnant women, children and teens routinely take the COVID-19 vaccine.