FDA Says J&J Booster Could Bolster Protection, but Not Enough Time to Independently Analyze Data

Vials of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are seen at a pharmacy in Denver, Colo. David Zalubowski/file/AP Photo

U.S. drug regulators on Wednesday said a second shot of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine could bolster people’s protection against the disease, but that they did not have enough time to independently analyze the data the company submitted.

Both Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are asking regulators to allow boosters for their vaccines following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) clearance of a Pfizer booster for tens of millions of Americans.