Latest KSST News

Friday Game Day Brings Lady Cats Volleyball, Wildcats Football at Home

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Friday Game Day Brings Lady Cats Volleyball, Wildcats Football at Home

Another Friday game day brings both Lady Cats volleyball and Wildcats football at home.

Coach Bailey Dorner’s Lady Cats are ready to host district foe the Hallsville Lady Cats in the SSHS Main Gym today.

Tonight’s match versus Hallsville is the home-finale for the volleyball team and as a result is senior night for the program.

Sulphur Springs lost their Tuesday match in Edgewood 3-1 to drop their season record to 20-15.

They will look to get the round win versus an always tough Hallsville squad.

The Hallsville Lady Cats are third place in District 15-5A, with Sulphur Springs not far behind in fourth. Both Lady Cats squads are officially play-off bound but if Coach Dorner’s program can win out they could slide in to third place.

Sulphur Springs first will have to get through Hallsville today at 4:30 P.M.

Senior night festivities to honor seven upperclassmen will begin at 4:15 P.M. prior to the match start.

Moving over to the football team, the Wildcats will look to get their first win of the season when they host the Greenville Lions.

Sulphur Springs lost a back-breaker in Corsicana, falling to the Tigers 41-38 in overtime. The Wildcats had a one-possession lead for a large portion of the game, only to fall flat in the fourth and let Corsicana pull out the come-from-behind victory.

After a tough loss in Corsicana to the Tigers last Friday, Coach Greg Owens and his program will be all too happy to finish out their season with two of three games, including the next two, taking place at Gerald Prim Stadium.

Sulphur Springs will begin their two-game home-stand when they host the Greenville Lions at 7:30 P.M. tonight.

Tonight’s rivalry game will be live-streamed onto KSST Radio’s Youtube channel and will be broadcasted over the radio on to KSST 1230 AM.

Friday will also bring the Hall of Honor ceremonies, with a reception for the four Class of 2021 inductees at the Multi-Purpose Building starting at 5:15 P.M.

The four former Sulphur Spring athletes will be introduced at 7 P.M. before kick-off.


KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Slaton Asks Governor To Call For Fourth Special Session To Address Vaccine Mandates

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Slaton Asks Governor To Call For Fourth Special Session To Address Vaccine Mandates
News Release – Oct. 22, 2021

House District 2 Representative Bryan Slaton today is asking Texas Governor Greg Abbott to call for a fourth Special Session to address vaccine mandates. Slaton, in a news release, called vaccine mandates “oppressive and tyrannical mandates” which he would like to see banned.

“The legislature has had several good accomplishments over the last nine months, but we have unfinished business. Currently, thousands of Texans are under threat of losing their livelihoods if they refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine. No government entity or mega-corporation should have the ability to force these vaccines on Texans against their will, and no Texan should ever have to choose between keeping their job and obeying their conscience,” Slaton stated in the release.

An immediately called fourth session would allow legislators to “address this issue and other unfinished business on behalf of the people of Texas.”

He calls on Texas Legislature to “quickly pass bold laws to protect the citizens of this great State from these oppressive and tyrannical mandates.”

Rural Sulphur Springs Resident Accused Of Assaulting His 15-Year-Old Daughter

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Rural Sulphur Springs Resident Accused Of Assaulting His 15-Year-Old Daughter

SSPD: Frisco Man Had Subject Of Protective Order In Vehicle When Stopped

Deputies arrested a rural Sulphur Springs resident accused of assaulting his 15-year-old daughter, according to sheriff’s reports. In an unrelated incident, police reported a Frisco man had the subject of a protective order in his vehicle when stopped.

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 5:47 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, to a complaint of a disturbance at a County Road 45692 residence. Sheriff’s officials were told the 69-year-old resident has assaulted his 15-year-old daughter.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the residents. The 15-year-old had bruising and injuries to both legs, a deputy alleged in arrest reports. After speaking to the parties involved, they determined the 69-year-old had kicked his 15-year-old daughter approximately four times, causing bodily injury, deputies alleged in arrest reports.

Consequently, father was taken into custody at 6:27 p.m. and transported to jail, where he was booked at 9:55 p.m. Oct. 21, 2021, on a Class A misdemeanor family violence assault charge, according to arrest and jail reports.

In an unrelated incident, Sulphur Springs Police officers stopped a vehicle at 6:56 p.m. on Interstate 30 east near mile marker 122 (Hillcrest Drive exit) for speeding.

Upon contact, police obtained out-of-state identification for both the driver and passenger in the vehicle. A records check, police reported, showed an active emergency protective order listing the passenger in the vehicle as the protected person the 27-year-old Frisco man is not supposed to contact, police alleged in arrest reports.

As a result, the Frisco man was arrested at 7:31 p.m., and transported by police to the county jail, where he was booked at 10:30 p.m. on a Class A misdemeanor violation of protective order charge, according to arrest reports.

Both men remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Oct. 22, 2021, the Sulphur Springs man for allegedly assaulting his 15-year-old daughter and the Frisco man for violating the protective order, according to arrest and jail reports.

Sulphur Springs Police and Hopkins County Sheriff
Sulphur Springs Police and Hopkins County Sheriff

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.

KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.

If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.

The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.

Lady Cats Cross Country Places Third, Wildcats Place Fourth in District 15-5A Championship

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Lady Cats Cross Country Places Third, Wildcats Place Fourth in District 15-5A Championship

Last Thursday was a successful one for Coach Ross Hicks and his cross country program.

The men’s team placed fourth in their District 15-5A Championship held in Hallsville. The women’s team ended in third and will move on to Regionals, held next Monday.

While the men did not move on to the next round of playoffs, they had a solid day being led by senior Evan Patrick who finished in the top-10 at ninth with a time of 18:18.2.

Cristobal Torres was the next runner up for the Wildcats, finishing 19th at 18:51.3.

Sophomore Erick Osornio finished two spots behind Torres at 21st, crossing the finish line with a time of 19:03.3. Another Wildcat, Alex Flecker, finished right behind Osornio at 22nd and ended his 5K at 19:09.4.

Candelario Monsivais and Hector Hernandez rounded out runners for the men’s team as they both cracked the top-40 at 36th and 39th, respectively.

Coach Ross Hicks pictured with the 2018 15-5A District Champion Wildcats cross country team

Moving over to the women’s team, the Lady Cats ran straight to the finish, emphatically taking third and will move on to the Region II-5A Championship held in Dallas on Monday.

The women were led by sophomore Haylee Schultz who almost made the top-5 at six. The sophomore ended with a time of 21:26.7.

Freshman Jaycee Jasmer finished two spots behind Schultz at eighth finishing the 5K at 21:43 flat.

The next runner to cross the line was senior Jolene Carpenter, who continues to improve and impress the coaching staff as she finished just outside of medalling at 16th with a time of 23:58.8.

Sophomore Jazmin Janez made 20th at 24:29.6.

Junior Rebekah Stanley cracked the top-30 at 27th and finished with a time of 25:22.1.

The final two runners to place were sophomore Beida Palomino and Maddie Poskey who finished at 38th and 42nd, respectively.

Next up, Coach Ross Hicks and the Lady Cats cross country team will travel to the heart of Dallas on Monday, Oct. 25 to take part in the Region II-5A Championship held at the Jesse Owens Athletic Complex.


KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Downtown Biz Alliance Plans Car Show, Christmas Market and Small Biz Saturday

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Downtown Biz Alliance Plans Car Show, Christmas Market and Small Biz Saturday
President Lara Colby

The Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance is busy planning end-of-year and holiday events. Here’s what’s on the horizon with DBA!


The long-running annual Classic Heritage Car Show is set for Saturday November 6, 2021. Dozens of classic automobiles will roll in early that morning and take their designated spaces around Celebration Plaza. After dusting off the road dust and a final polish to the window glass, these beauties will be ready to welcome everyone to stroll around and enjoy the views! More than 50 entries are expected in the show. Car Show T-shirts will be available for sale. 


National Small Business Saturday will be observed in Sulphur Springs on Saturday November 27. Vendors will be lined up along Main Street downtown with all kinds of special deals offered by the small business owners of Hopkins County. Be sure and visit the visiting vendors under tents, and go inside each shop and eatery along the streets. Celebrate and support Small Business! Food and Music is part of the day, until 9 p.m.

 Members enjoy planning and fellowship at DBA meetings


Christmas Market is in the planning stages for Saturday December 4, 2021. Vendors are registering for the more than three dozen spaces which will line the downtown streets. Christmas Market is a great time to find Christmas gifts and decor, and special discounts within the stores of downtown merchants. Plan to stroll, shop and of course, eat and drink with the many downtown merchants. 


Downtown Business Alliance members are also looking forward the the annual Christmas on the Square Parade ad Tree Lighting which officially opens the season in Hopkins County! More details will be discussed at the next DBA meeting, set for November 16. DBA membership is open to all Hopkins County business, not only to those with downtown storefronts. Find out how to join and take part in planning events which benefit the local business community by going to sulphurspringsdba.com or SSDBA Facebook page.

Buford Park Awaits Stewstock October 22, 23!

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Buford Park Awaits Stewstock October 22, 23!

Before Buford Park became a crowded cooking contest site, I stopped for a few photos on Thursday to show some of the changes to the landscape of our familiar Stew grounds.

With the 52nd World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest, a home football game for the  Sulphur Springs Wildcats and a Carnival midway on site, it’s going to be a beehive of activity and fun! Get out and enjoy the 2021 Stew season October 22 and 23!

Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Students who are Candidates for Homecoming King and Queen

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Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Students who are Candidates for Homecoming King and Queen

CANDIDATES

These three students from the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus are among the nominees for Homecoming King and Queen at the upcoming Paris Junior College celebration. From left, they are Autumn Teague, Nathan Wyndham and Hannah Chairez.

Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs homecoming PJC students who are candidates for homecoming king and queen
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs homecoming PJC students who are candidates for homecoming king and queen

Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.

Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.

The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.

Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.

Vision

To be the educational provider of choice for the region.

Mission

Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.

Traffic Stop During Manhunt Results In Controlled Substance Arrest

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Traffic Stop During Manhunt Results In Controlled Substance Arrest

Four Others Jailed On Felony Controlled Substance, Related Charges

A traffic stop during a manhunt resulted in Commerce woman’s arrest Wednesday night on a controlled substance charge and Hunt County warrant, according to arrest reports. At least four others were also arrested this week in Hopkins County on felony controlled substance or related charges, according to arrest and jail reports.

County Road 2310 Traffic Stop

Brooke Lanee McSparrin (HCSO jail photo)

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Drew Fisher and Josh Davis reported stopping a black Chevrolet SUV spotted on County Road 2310 at 7:43 p.m. Oct. 20, 2021, during a manhunt for a suspect who left the district courtroom Wednesday morning after being placed into handcuffs. They reported suspicious activity as the cause for the stop.

During contact with the occupants, the deputies noticed drug paraphernalia in plain view on the back seat of the SUV. When asked if there was any further contraband in the vehicle, the passenger allegedly extracted from her purse a cigarette carton containing additional drug paraphernalia and a bag containing a crystal-like substance which later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Deputies placed 34-year-old Brooke Lanee McSparrin into custody at 8:07 p.m. Wednesday on a possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. At the jail the substance was determined to weigh 1.5 grams. The Commerce woman too was found to have an outstanding Hunt County warrant for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person.

McSparrin remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday morning, Oct. 21, 2021, on both charges. Bond was set at $25,000 on the third-degree felony controlled substance charg and $35,000 on the Hunt County warrant, according to jail reports.

Wednesday was the second time in two months McSparrin has been jailed locally. She was jailed Sept. 7, 2021, on a for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge and remained in the county jail until her release 6 days later on a $5,000 bond, according to jail records.

Arrested In District Court

Steven Craig Krietemeyer (HCSO jail photo)

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Lester took Steven Craig Krietemeyer into custody at 12:55 p.m. Oct. 19, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom, on an order revoking the 46-year-old Winnsboro man’s bond on for a May 3, 2021 possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge.

Krietemeyer remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2021, in lieu of the new $150,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.

He was last booked into Hopkins County jail on May 3, 2021, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and public intoxication, after being found passed out in the drive-thru lane at a South Broadway Street restaurant. He was released from Hopkins County jail May 5, 2021, on a $20,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail and May 2021 arrest reports.’

Aldis Marivel Rosewell (HCSO jail photo)

Deputy Lester and Deputy Isaac Foley also took Aldis Marivel Rosewell into custody at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 2021, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom and transported her to jail. The 35-year-old Winnsboro woman was booked into jail at 3:51 p.m. Monday, on a warrant for surety off bond on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance.

Rosewell, who jail reports show is also known by Aldis Marivel Mendez, Aldis Marivel Mendez-Rosewll and Aldis Marivel Reyes, remained in the county jail Thursday afternoon, Oct. 21, 2021, in lieu of the new $35,000 bond set on the charge.

She was last booked into Hopkins county jail on Feb. 3, 2021, on the original controlled substance charge as well as a tampering with or fabricating evidence charge, according to jail reports. She was released on $45,000 in bonds on the two charges on Feb. 9, 2021, according to jail reports.

Airport Road Traffic Stop

Christopher Adolpho Lutz (HCSO jail photo)

Sulphur Springs Police Officers E. Jaime and Sean Hoffman stopped a Jeep Compass at 9:41 a.m. Oct. 18, on Airport Road at North Hillcrest Drive. After obtaining the driver’s ID and insurance information, an officer returned to the Jeep to issue a citation and smelled a marijuana odor coming from inside the vehicle.

When asked about the odor, Christopher Adolpho Lutz reportedly admitted he’d smoked earlier that morning and that there was a marijuana grinder in vehicle. The 34-year-old Emory man then handed the paraphernalia to an officer. The driver and passenger were asked to exit the vehicle while police searched it.

A zipped case with suspected methamphetamine was found in console. A bag of suspected marijuana was found in the passenger’s jacket pocket. When asked who the meth belonged to, Lutz allegedly told them since it was his vehicle he’d claim the contraband. Lutz was arrested at 10:20 a.m. Monday for possessing what turned out to be 0.77 gram of suspected methamphetamine, a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, Jaime and Hoffman noted in arrest reports.

Lutz, who is listed in jail reports to also use the names Christopher Mark Lutz, Christopher Mark Knight and Christopher Adolpho Loy Lutz, remained in Hopkins County jail Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B charge, according to jail reports.

I-30 West Traffic Stop

No HCSO jail photo available Oct. 21, 2021, for Richard Gonzalez Jr.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Chris Sorley stopped a Toyota Tundra at 1:04 p.m. Oct. 17, 2021, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 120 for speeding. Upon approach of the vehicle, Sorley reported smelling a marijuana odor in the truck. A probable cause search of the pickup revealed a small amount of marijuana wrapped in paper and some THC candy, Sorley alleged in arrest reports.

Consequently, Richard Gonzalez Jr. was arrested and booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:08 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports. The 35-year-old Balch Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail on Oct. 18, 2021. His bond was set at $5,000 on the felony charge, according to jail reports.

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.

KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.

If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.

The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.

If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1

The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.

 2021 IJSBA World Finals -Rider Spotlight for Local Rider Andrew Vo

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 2021 IJSBA World Finals -Rider Spotlight for Local Rider Andrew Vo
Andrew Vo, the local Sulphur Springs 12-year-old Junior Jetski Racer

This marks an inaugural year for Andrew Vo, your local Sulphur Springs 12-year-old Junior Jetski racer. Andrew was able to travel to Lake Havasu City, Arizona for 10 days to participated at the IJSBA Jet Ski World Finals – where the best of the best Jetski racers from all over the world battle it out for the coveted world title. This momentous event has been held in Lake Havasu for past 40 years.

This season was Andrew’s first year racing jet skis in the Jettribe Texas series where he respectfully earned a solid first place leader in overall points in the Texas/ Mid-West region. Coming into the World Finals, while facing many riders with higher levels of competition and experience, our expectations were set low.

But with all the emotional ups and downs, Andrew was able to earn a third place spot on the podium for the Junior 10-12 Year-Olds, 4-Stroke Lites class, behind his team mate and friend Tristan Heibert.

Many thanks to Andrew’s teachers at SSMS for their support by allowing Andrew to do his school work on the road. Plus, we could never do all this without Team Nauti Water racing, for adopting Andrew into their team. Their help extended to the aspects of racing including mechanic, tech inspection, launching and retrieving skis from the water, and track practices.

Our gratitude extends to Justin and Hendrix Smith for believing in Andrew, from their encouragements to even driving Andrew’s race ski from Texas to Lake Havasu, Arizona. And last of all, we are thankful to Brian Snyder for standing by Andrew all week from fueling, race practices, race schedules to holding Andrew’s ski at the starting line. All of this would not have happened without the kind heart of Larry Spector, who mentored Andrew throughout the race season!

It is priceless how Andrew has matured this season, with all of racing’s ups and downs. He learned to face defeats, as well as celebrate success with humility. The friendships we have made this year are what really matter the most. We look forward to 2022 race season in Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, and planning is underway to race in California and Poland.

FDA Takes Additional Actions On Use Of A Booster Dose For COVID-19 Vaccines

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FDA Takes Additional Actions On Use Of A Booster Dose For COVID-19 Vaccines
US FDA News Release

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday, Oct. 20, took action to expand the use of a booster dose for COVID-19 vaccines in eligible populations. The agency is amending the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows:

  • The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals:
    • 65 years of age and older
    • 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure toSARS-CoV-2
  • The use of a single booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older.
  • The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine.
  • To clarify that a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

“Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death. The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated. The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”

“The amendments to the emergency use authorizations to include a single booster dose in eligible populations are based on the available data and information and follows the input from the members of our advisory committee who were supportive of the use of a booster dose of these vaccines in eligible populations,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We are also taking action today to include the use of mix and match boosters to address this public health need. We will work to accrue additional data as quickly as possible to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations and plan to update the healthcare community and public with our determination in the coming weeks.”

Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose

To support the authorization for emergency use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA analyzed immune response data from 149 participants 18 years of age and older from the original clinical studies who received a booster dose at least 6 months after their second dose and compared it to the immune responses of 1,055 study participants after completing their two-dose series. The antibody response of the 149 participants against SARS-CoV-2 virus 29 days after a booster dose of the vaccine demonstrated a booster response. 

The FDA also evaluated an additional analysis from Moderna comparing the rates of COVID-19 accrued during the Delta variant surge during July and August 2021, which suggest that there is a waning of vaccine effectiveness over time.

Safety was evaluated in 171 participants 18 years of age and older who were followed for an average of approximately six months. The most commonly reported side effects by the clinical trial participants who received the booster dose of the vaccine were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, chills, swollen lymph nodes in same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Of note, swollen lymph nodes in the underarm were observed more frequently following the booster dose than after the primary two-dose series.

Ongoing analyses from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety surveillance systems have identified increased risks of inflammatory heart conditions, myocarditis and pericarditis, following vaccination with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, particularly following the second dose. Typically, onset of symptoms has been a few days following vaccination. The observed risk is higher among males under 40 years of age, particularly males 18 through 24, than among females and older males. 

The Moderna COVID-19 single booster dose is half of the dose that is administered for a primary series dose and is administered at least six months after completion of a primary series of the vaccine. 

Authorization of Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose

The authorization for emergency use of a single booster dose of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine is based on the FDA’s evaluation of immune response data in 39 participants from a clinical trial including 24 participants who were 18 through 55 years of age and 15 participants who were 65 years of age and older.  The study participants received a booster dose approximately 2 months after their first dose, and the results demonstrated a booster response.

Overall, approximately 9,000 clinical trial participants have received two doses of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine administered at least two months apart and of these, approximately 2,700 have had at least two months of safety follow-up after the booster dose. Janssen’s safety analyses from these studies have not identified new safety concerns.

Earlier analyses from the FDA and CDC safety surveillance systems suggest an increased risk of a serious and rare type of blood clot in combination with low blood platelets following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. This serious condition is called thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). People who developed TTS after receiving the vaccine had symptoms that began about one to two weeks after vaccination. Reporting of TTS has been highest in females ages 18 through 49 years. In addition, safety surveillance suggests an increased risk of a specific serious neurological disorder called Guillain Barré syndrome, within 42 days following receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.  

Authorization of “Mix and Match” Booster Dose

Today, the FDA is also authorizing the use of heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose for currently available (i.e., FDA-authorized or approved) COVID-19 vaccines. Following a presentation of clinical trial data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee’s discussion of information submitted for consideration, along with the agency’s evaluation of the available data, the FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.

A single booster dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines may be administered as a heterologous booster dose following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The eligible population(s) and dosing interval for a heterologous booster dose are the same as those authorized for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination.

For example, Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older may receive a single booster dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (half dose) or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at least two months after receiving their Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine primary vaccination. 

In another example, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine recipients falling into one of the authorized categories for boosters (65 years of age and older, 18 through 64 years of age at high-risk of severe COVID-19, and 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2) may receive a booster dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (half dose), Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after completing their primary vaccination.

The agency recognizes that health care providers and COVID-19 vaccine recipients will have questions about booster doses. The individual fact sheets for each available vaccine provide relevant information for health care providers and the vaccine recipients. The agency encourages health care providers to also follow the recommendations that will be provided by the CDC following a meeting of their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and formal recommendations signed by the CDC director.


Related Information: