On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention broadened its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots.
Previously, the CDC said that all adults can receive a booster shot and specified that those over 50 should receive one. Now, the CDC is saying, due to the omicron variant, that everyone over 18 should receive a booster.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement on Monday, “Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine.”
Walensky said the new guidance reflects the emergence of the omicron variant, which has not yet been identified in the U.S. but that officials say will inevitably reach the country.
Walensky also encouraged Americans feeling unwell to seek out a COVID-19 test, saying, “Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.