Local health expert’s thoughts on the recent COVID-19 booster shot decision

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- St. Joseph County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Mark Fox says he mostly agrees with the recent vote by advisors of the FDA to currently only recommend a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for people 65 and older and anyone with a compromised immune system.

This vote means that the FDA is not currently recommending a third Pfizer shot for the general public.

Dr. Fox says that getting people their first COVID-19 vaccine should remain the priority.

“In the grand scheme of things, it’s far more important that those people who are not vaccinated at all begin to get the vaccine than that any of us, even the elderly, get a booster shot. So, if I had to pick and choose between me getting a booster and someone who’s not vaccinated at all getting a shot, I’d vote for them,” said Dr. Fox.

This vote is only in regards to the Pfizer vaccine. Moderna is planning to submit their data to the FDA regarding the recommendation of a booster shot of their version of the vaccine.