The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended booster shots at 5 months after the completion of the initial series of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for those aged 16 and older, according to a media statement issued by the CDC on Tuesday.

"Today's recommendations ensure that people are able to get a boost of protection in the face of Omicron and increasing cases across the country," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in the statement.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made the same recommendation on Monday.