Boosters, vaccines for kids & COVID case rates from SB County Public Health

The Food and Drug Administration is wrestling with how to decide on booster doses of the single-shot Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. And a new study raises the prospect that using a different vaccine might give a better boost.

Doctor Henning Ansorg from Santa Barbara County Public Health joined NewsChannel 3 Midday to discuss the ongoing pandemic response including booster doses, vaccines for kids and the county case rate.

Ansorg joined Joe Buttitta as part of an ongoing series of weekly interviews with the Public Health Department focused on the coronavirus pandemic.

On Thursday and Friday, an FDA advisory panel will recommend whether to back boosters of both the J&J and Moderna vaccines. In a review posted Wednesday, FDA scientists didn’t reach a firm conclusion on J&J booster doses, citing shortcomings with the company's data.

An extra dose of Pfizer’s vaccine already is available to certain Americans.

The public health department is reiterating the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines are safe, effective and free, health officials say.

For the latest coronavirus totals in our area, click here.

To read more about the coronavirus vaccine and set up a time to receive a vaccination, click here.