Reports: FDA expected to OK ‘mix-and-match’ COVID vaccine boosters

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to announce this week people will be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot with a vaccine from a different manufacturer than their original doses, according to reports in the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal.

That would mean someone who received doses of a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine would be allowed to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, or the other way around. The Washington Post reported that this “mix-and-match” decision from the FDA will be part of its authorization for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. That decision is expected this week.

Pfizer’s booster shots started in September for vulnerable Americans.

The Times was first to report the “mix-and-match” announcement, stating the FDA wasn’t expected to push for one vaccine over another but that it might recommend people stay with their original vaccine, if possible.

• Read more: Can you mix and match COVID-19 vaccines?
• Related: FDA advisory committee votes to approve Johnson & Johnson vaccine booster shots
• Related: FDA advisory committee votes to approve Moderna vaccine booster shots for vulnerable groups
• Sept. 28: Pfizer submits data to FDA as it seeks to use COVID vaccine in children aged 5-11

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