The United States on Wednesday authorized the use of boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for Americans aged 65 and older, people at high risk of severe disease and those in high-exposure settings to the virus. 

"Today's action demonstrates that science and the currently available data continue to guide the FDA's decision-making for COVID-19 vaccines during this pandemic," said Janet Woodcock, acting head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA also authorized a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk.

(With input from AFP)