Fauci says changing definition of fully vaccinated to include boosters is ‘on the table’

Top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci said changing the definition of what qualifies a person as fully vaccinated to include a booster shot is “on the table.”

“Right now, officially, fully vaccinated equals two shots of the mRNA and one shot of the J&J, but without a doubt that could change,” Fauci said in an interview for the upcoming Reuters Next conference, Reuters reported. 

“That’s on the table for discussion,” he added. 

The consideration comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that booster shots can be given to anyone above the age of 18. 

“We’d like to get as many people who were originally vaccinated with the first regimen boosted,” Fauci said, adding he hopes to see an “overwhelming majority” get the booster shot.

Proof of full vaccination has been required by many venues across the country and in some major cities has been required for dining in at restaurants.

Fauci’s comments to Reuters also come as COVID-19 cases are beginning to rise again in the U.S. In response to the increase, he also recently warned against “prematurely” dropping mask mandates.

Fauci has drawn both praise and condemnation for his work as the top medical adviser to two presidents during the coronavirus pandemic after previously spending years on AIDS and HIV research.

When asked if he would retire soon, Fauci said he is “not even remotely contemplating” it. He wants to make more progress on AIDS and HIV research and see the end of the pandemic, he said in the interview.