Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told CNBC on Thursday the drugmaker wanted to provide U.S. regulators “flexibility” in determining eligibility for a fourth Covid vaccine dose.

Moderna submitted its application last weekFor a second booster, ask the Food and Drug Administration for clearance for the extra shot. This is for Americans 18 and older.

This request from the biotech company was significantly more extensive than that of a competing mRNA-vaccination maker PfizerThe whose fourth-dose application covered only people 65 and older.

Bancel stated that he believed we should give regulators the freedom to do what they want, including the FDA, and other regulators from different countries. Bancel spoke in an interview. “Squawk Box.”There are people younger than you who have comorbidity issues, so they may need to be treated. [a]To protect them, they need to be given a fourth dose sooner.

People with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma and chronic lung disease can be at greater risk for becoming severely ill due to Covid.

Individuals who have immunocompromised conditions already are eligible for four Covid vaccine doses. They recommend three doses of the primary medication, followed by a booster for at least three more months.

Some doctors may have questioned the necessityIn the short term, there will be four Covid shots available to the public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data shows that less than half have had their first booster shot. some experts suggestThis should be the main focus.

“All the information we need to provide was submitted [the FDA]Bancel stated, “The best information is needed to make the best decision.”