The big picture: The Biden administration’s booster effort is already under fire for getting ahead of the data and for poor messaging.

The administration argues that it doesn’t have any time to lose when it comes to staying ahead of the virus.

Between the lines: If Moderna booster shots are a half-dose of the original level, that vastly expands the company’s global supply overnight.

That means more shots would be available around the world. But it also means Moderna could make a lot more money.

“FDA has requested Moderna to submit both. Moderna’s focused only on its 50. Yes, that increases supply, but it’s also in its economic interests,” the senior administration official said.