SAN LUIS VALLEY -- Governor Jared Polis released the following statement upon reports that an independent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted 19-0 vote to authorize Moderna COVID-19 vaccine boosters for Americans 65 and older, anyone who is 18 years or older with underlying conditions and those who work around others and therefore risk exposure at their jobs.

“This is important news for Coloradans who have been waiting for the FDA to give the go-ahead on the Moderna booster and it’s welcomed news for our friends and family members aged 65 and up, people who are at high-risk and our frontline essential workers like grocery store workers, caretakers and teachers,” said Governor Polis. “The data is clear and should have happened much sooner but it will help us end the pandemic and help people protect themselves and their families. I urge the full ACIP and CDC to follow the FDA’s lead promptly and authorize boosters to save lives and get back to the Colorado we love.”

The data shows clearly that boosters are an important tool for fighting the virus and improving immunity, especially for those who are immunocompromised or are 65 and older. Coloradans interested in receiving a booster, 1st, or 2nd doses, can find a vaccination site at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

On September 22, 2021 the U.S. FDA approved Pfizer booster shots for people over 65 and those at high risk for severe illness or exposure to COVID-19. Governor Polis has urged the US FDA to act more quickly on boosters.