DENVER - Governor Jared Polis released the following statement upon reports that both the U.S. CDC and FDA authorized Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots, while also saying people can now get a booster different from their original dose:

"It's about time. The data is completely clear and consistent: a third vaccine dose is necessary for stronger and lasting protection against COVID-19. It's critical that Coloradans have more protection against this deadly virus. The Colorado data shows that we need to get our booster shots after six months. My administration has been busy providing boosters to Coloradans living in nursing homes but with this approval, we are ready to booster all Coloradans six months past their 2nd dose. I look forward to getting mine tomorrow," said Governor Jared Polis. "We are prepared to administer boosters to the more than 71% of eligible Coloradans who are fully immunized with this lifesaving vaccine. We will get out of this pandemic together and we have the tools in the safe and effective vaccine and now the fully FDA and CDC approved booster."

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Most vaccines require more than one dose overtime to produce immunity and long-lasting protection such as the three doses of DTaP that nearly all kids receive to build up protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.

This evening, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky provided full approval of booster shots of both the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as well as a booster of the Moderna vaccine. Director Walensky's approval follows the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) sign off on approving the FDA's recommendation of the Johnson & Johnson shot for anyone 17 and over, as well as the Moderna booster, a half-dose of the original shot, for people 65 and older and everyone who works around others at their job.

The number of doses needed depends on the type of vaccine, and the data at this point indicates that the COVID-19 vaccine needs three doses for enduring and strong protection.

In September, the CDC and FDA approved a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and everyone who works around others at their job

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