CDC Expands Booster Eligibility to Everyone 18 and Older, Five Days after NYC Did the Same

By Yehudit Garmaise

A week ago, New York City expanded vaccine booster eligibility to everyone who is older than 18, and on Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted unanimously to recommend the same for the US.

“Boosters are now available to all New Yorkers who are 18 and older,” said Councilmember Carlina Rivera, who chairs the City Council Committee on Hospitals, and who said she would be getting, at the same appointment today: both her booster and her flu shot, which the mayor called, “the powerful double shot.”

While antibodies do provide some immunity, Councilmember River explained that COVID-19 vaccines work extremely well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death: even against the highly contagious and virulent delta variant.

“We know that coronavirus antibodies can ultimately wane, which is why it is critical that all New Yorkers seize this opportunity to get a booster shot: especially if you are in groups with increased risk: such as if you are older than 50, or if you have underlying conditions.

“As we enter into the colder months [that drive us inside] and the holiday season [in which we gather], it is so important that we all take every precaution to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“We believe strongly boosters should be for everyone,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, who added that 811,460 New Yorkers have gotten their booster shots already. “That number is going to grow a lot in the coming days. 

“We have said it clearly, and now we are going to go out and make sure everyone who wants a booster gets a booster.”

Unlike previous to last week, the city’s attitude toward boosters is not: “Some people get it, some people don’t,” the mayor emphasized.

“Anyone who wants a booster should get a booster,” the mayor said.

"There are no excuses,” Gov. Kathy Hochul added at her own press conference. “We've made sure that there's plenty of supply at multiple sources. 

“And so I'm encouraging everyone. Please get the booster, please get the vaccination if you've not been vaccinated. 

“If you've had one dose, get the second one. What are you waiting for?”

 (Darren McGee- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)