(John Ransom, Headline USA) The mainstream media is downplaying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation of a fourth Pfizer or Moderna jab to combat its waning efficiency against COVID by calling latest jab the “second booster” shot.
“Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose of either the Pfizer–BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” said Peter Marks, director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a news release, according to CNN.
CNN titled its story: Second booster shots authorized for adults 50 and older, as if adults have been waiting in line for the CDC to allow them to get another vaccination.
The New York Times changed the wording slightly, announcing: F.D.A. Allows Second Covid Boosters for Everyone 50 and Older.
The Times, in its reporting, admitted (at least indirectly) that one of the reasons why the jabs were being characterized this way was because, with just six months separating the decision to do the first round of boosters, growing skepticism about COVID vaccines could undermine the credibility of the government health establishments in the USA.
“The idea that just six months after federal regulators authorized the first round of boosters, another booster is already necessary could add to public fatigue with Covid vaccines,” said the Times.
In the exception that proves the rule, however, CNBC came out and told it like it is: CDC recommends fourth Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccine doses for people age 50 and older
Interestingly, CNBC reported that both the FDA and the CDC came to the decision without first consulting their independent vaccine committees.
It remained unclear whether, in doing so, they sought to cut through the red tape by skipping the independent committees or if they feared the independent committees might have some objection to a fourth jab.
However, Marks, whose FDA office is responsible for vaccine safety and efficacy, said the decision was a no-brainer, CNBC reported.
“Evidence that we have now from Israel suggests that by getting this [fourth shot], one can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in this population of older individuals,” Marks said in a conference call with reporters.
