Moderna and Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shots have been cleared for all U.S. adults by the Food and Drug Administration. Both companies have provided new data that supports the extra dose. 

According to CNBC, researchers declined the administration’s previous plan to begin administering boosters to all adults in late September. Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said the emergency use authorization comes at a critical time as we enter the winter season and face increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations nationwide.

The starting age for the booster dose is 18 years old. “The FDA has determined that the currently available data support expanding the eligibility of a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 18 years of age and older,” Head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Dr. Peter Marks said.  

Additionally, the age regulation avoids confusion about who can get the booster shot and makes sure it will be obtainable for individuals who need it. Just about 80% of Americans 12 years and older have obtained at least one of the three vaccines, CDC data shows.  

White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci is encouraging Americans to get the vaccine and enlist to get the booster if they qualify. 

“It is not too late. Get vaccinated now. And importantly, if you are already vaccinated six months or more ago and eligible for a boost, get a boost,” Fauci said.