As schools across the country return to in-person learning after winter break amid soaring cases of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this morning authorized the use of a booster dose in children ages 12 to 17 if it has been at least 5 months since completing the primary vaccination series. The regulatory agency also said children ages 5 to 11 who are immunocompromised can receive a third dose, as well. The booster period was also reduced from 6 months following the primary series to 5 months for adults.
