The FDA has authorized Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) / BioNTech SE's (NASDAQ: BNTX) COVID-19 booster shots for all U.S. adults. The agency extended the emergency use authorization of a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the 50 µg dose level to all adults aged 18 and older.

• The booster dose from Pfizer is the same dosage strength as the doses in the primary series.

• The approval comes about two months late, after scientists advising the FDA rejected the administration's original plans to start distributing boosters to all adults the week of September 20, citing a lack of data supporting the third dose.

• "This emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter months and face increasing COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations across the country," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a statement.

• Related Link: FDA Approves Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Booster, And 'Mix And Match' COVID-19 Shots.

• A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel is expected to meet later today to discuss whether to recommend the booster doses for the broader population.

• Price Action: BNTX shares are up 2.17% at $280.01, PFE stock is up 0.55% at $51.70, and MRNA shares are up 3.68% at $260.65 during the market session on the last check Friday.

• Photo by Johaehn from Pixabay

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