Short Wave

COVID-19 boosters are here

Oct 19, 2021

Rob Stein, NPR health correspondent, dives into the ongoing rollout of COVID-19 vaccine boosters. He discusses the FDA's expected authorization of boosters for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, raising ethical concerns about prioritizing U.S. boosters over global vaccine needs. The conversation also covers the complexities of vaccinating the unvaccinated, upcoming options for children aged 5 to 11, and how booster shots could enhance immunity amidst rising variants. Preparing for a return to normalcy remains a key focus as safety measures persist.

11:08

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Episode guests

Rob Stein

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Navigating the Complexities of COVID-19 Booster Shots

2min

Navigating COVID-19 Booster Recommendations

5min

Upcoming Vaccination Plans and Parental Concerns for Young Children

2min

Navigating the Path to Normalcy Amidst COVID-19

2min

The United States is on the verge of dramatically expanding the availability of COVID-19 vaccine boosters to shore up people's immune systems. As NPR health correspondent Rob Stein reports, the Food and Drug Administration is poised to authorize the boosters of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Still, many experts argue boosters aren't needed because the vaccines are working well and it would be unethical to give people in the U.S. extra shots when most of the world is still waiting for their first.

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