A person who is familiar with the plans says that Pfizer & BioNTech expect to apply for U.S. permission this week for another Covid-19 vaccine booster, for patients 65+.

If granted authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, an additional shot will be administered to those who have the greatest risk of suffering serious illness or death as a result of Covid.

FDA approved booster shots to be administered for anyone 12 years old or older, on an urgent basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the protection from the initial booster dose begins to wane after several months, particularly against the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Albert Bourla, Pfizer CEO, said that Friday’s company was “very happy.” was close to submitting data to the FDA on a fourth dose of its vaccine after its scientists found that the protection from the first booster began to wane after three or four months.

This news was reported for the first time by The Washington Post, which said that Pfizer could seek authorization as early as Tuesday.

Pfizer, FDA, and Pfizer didn’t immediately reply to comments requests.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 12 and up receive a booster five months after their second shot of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine or two months after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

According to the data, more than 66% of Americans 65 years and over who qualify for boosters have had one. CDC.

If the additional Pfizer booster is authorized, it’s unclear if every eligible person who wants a second booster will be able to get one — the U.S. government currently only has enough doses for immunocompromised people to seek a fourth shot, a senior administration official said Tuesday.

Experts in health have indicated that more shots are likely to be required, but it remains unclear how and when.

Experts are still unsure if everyone will require an extra dose. However, it is sensible for seniors to have their vaccines first according to Dr. Anna Durbin of Johns Hopkins University.

“Because their immune systems aren’t working as well, and they are more at risk for serious disease,” she stated.