A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention committee today recommended that immunocompromised patients receive a third dose COVID-19 vaccine. Patients may not be able to produce enough antibodies against coronavirus if they have only taken a two-dose standard series of vaccines from Pfizer / BioNTech / Moderna.I've met patients with immunocompromised conditions and they were able to do all the right things in the hospital. They are just not receiving adequate vaccine protection, Camille Kotton (clinical director of transplant and immunocompromised hosts infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital), said today during the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).This newsletter highlights COVID-19 research and developments. It also includes stories that matter. Register hereThis decision comes after the Food and Drug Administration announced late Thursday night that they have amended the emergency authorization for both vaccines in order to allow an additional shot for patients who have had solid organ transplants or have immune conditions to the same degree. The Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine has not been changed.Around 7 million Americans are immunocompromised. They are more likely than others to become seriously ill due to COVID-19 and to develop breakthrough infections, even though they have been vaccinated. The vaccines that are available for them are not as effective. Persons who have had organ transplants or are taking immunosuppressive medication like high-dose corticosteroids, may be considered severely or moderately immunocompromised.Kathleen Dooling, a medical officer with the CDC, stated that people who are immunocompromised shouldn't require a prescription or doctors note to receive a third dose. She explained that this is self-attesting.Research shows that a third shot can increase the number of immunocompromised patients who produce antibodies. It is not yet clear whether or not this antibody boost can prevent COVID-19 in this group.People with immunocompromised must still be vigilant against COVID-19, even if they have received a third dose. Although the booster will provide some protection, patients with severe COVID-19 may still be at risk. Dooling advises that immunocompromised individuals should wear a mask and keep six feet away from anyone they don't live with. They also need to avoid crowds and poor ventilation indoor spaces.
