FDA panel rejects booster proposal

WASHINGTON: An influential advisory panel in the US rejected a plan on Friday to offer the Pfizer vaccine’s booster shots against Covid-19 to most Americans, dealing a blow to President Joe Biden’s efforts to shore up people’s protection amid the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus.

The vote by the committee of outside experts assembled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was 16-2, with members expressing frustration that Pfizer provided little data on the safety of extra doses. Many also raised doubts about the value of mass boosters.

The panel, however, voted in favour of authorising Pfizer vaccine boosters for everyone aged 65 and above, as well as for people at high risk of developing severe Covid-19.

The decisions came after a day-long meeting full of data presentations and at times charged debate that was convened by the FDA.

“I think this should demonstrate to the public that the members of this committee are independent of the FDA,” said Archana Chatterjee, dean of Chicago Medical School.

UN okays vaccine honour system for world leaders

The UN General Assembly is relying on a vaccine honour system for world leaders before they speak at next week’s meeting. Presidents, premiers, monarchs and other dignitaries won’t have to show vaccination cards or other proof of inoculation. Assembly president Abdulla Shahid says they’ll simply attest to being vaccinated by swiping their ID badges.

The UN has been wrestling with how to implement a New York City vaccination requirement for convention centres. Russia has criticised the policy, and the first scheduled speaker, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, says he doesn’t plan to get vaccinated anytime soon.

Next week, more than 100 heads of state and government and over 20 foreign ministers have signed up to speak in person at the assembly session.