The FDA announced it will restrict access to seasonal Covid-19 boosters for healthy Americans under 65, requiring robust clinical trials for approval. This new framework, outlined by FDA Commissioner Makary and Dr. Prasad in the New England Journal of Medicine, aligns the US more closely with European practices, limiting boosters to those over 65 or with high-risk conditions. Over 100 million Americans would still qualify. Critics argue this will reduce access and potentially usurp the CDC's advisory panel's role, questioning the practical implementation and the impact on vaccine insurance and availability. The decision follows the approval of Novavax's vaccine with similar restrictions.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.