American Lung Association Encourages Seniors and High-Risk Individuals Who Received Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine to get Booster; Urges Those Eligible to Get Vaccinated, Mask Up

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended COVID-19 booster shots for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, who are over 65 and those who may be at higher risk of serious complications from the disease. 

In response, American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement:

“CDC’s recommendation is another important step forward in continuing to protect Americans from COVID-19. The Lung Association encourages people who previously received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination, are 65 and older, and those who qualify as high risk to talk with their doctor about getting the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine. 

“We also call on the federal government to develop clear and consistent messages for the public about who should receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters and when. While we recognize that every day, health officials and researchers are learning more about COVID-19, clear and concise messaging is the best way to encourage the public to protect themselves and each other. Based on the science, we know that vaccines and masking are the best ways to protect ourselves from the disease and the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must continue to emphasize this.

“The American Lung Association will continue to focus on educating the public with the most up to date science based COVID-19 information, investing in research through our COVID-19 Action Initiative and supporting people who have long COVID through our new online support community. 

“In addition to getting vaccinated and a booster if you qualify, we encourage everyone to continue to rigorously follow the CDC recommendations to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 by wearing a mask according to CDC guidelines, maintaining social distancing, washing your hands often, and staying home if you feel unwell.”

More information about COVID-19 can be found at Lung.org/covid19 or the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA. For journalists seeking to schedule a media interview with a lung health expert on COVID-19, contact Jill Dale at the American Lung Association at 312-940-7001 or Media@Lung.org.