The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the third Covid-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people. The CDC decided after suggestions from vaccine advisers. Hence, the CDC director signed off immediately to endorse an extra dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
For some patients with a poor immune response after the two doses of either Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, the US Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization.
Until now, there is no sufficient data to suggest the third Covid-19 vaccine for Johnson & Johnson vaccine receivers. However, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices member Dr. Katherine Poehling has given a clear statement.
She said there are many potential benefits, but the negative impacts are minimal. CDC immediately recommended the administration of the third vaccine to immunocompromised people.
This decision follows the FDA’s decision to change the emergency use authorization of the vaccines. And it aims to protect those people vulnerable to Covid-19 illnesses.
No Recommendation for the General Public
Until now, no recommendations are given for the general public to take the third Covid-19 vaccine dose. ACIP said it completely depends on the patients and doctors to take this decision.
Who actually needs the third Covid-19 dose and at what time will rest upon the decisions of patients and doctors. Moreover, no prescription will be required for this purpose. The ACIP committee didn’t recommend any FDA-authorized test to check the immune response for a Covid vaccine.
Apart from this, ACIP members endorsed the third Covid-19 dose for immunocompromised children as young as 12. Children of 12 or more age fall into Pfizer’s EUA. People at 18 or above age can take the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.
EUA Only for Moderate or Severe Immunosuppression
Only those with moderate or severe immunosuppression should take the third vaccine, said CDC’s Dr. Amanda Cohn. For example, people with diabetes or heart diseases are not liable to take the booster dose.
CDC says around 140 million people have already taken two doses of Covid-19 vaccines of either Pfizer or Moderna. And there are around 1.14 million people who have received one or more additional Covid-19 doses.
A study by John Hopkins researchers states vaccinated immunocompromised people can end up in the hospital or die from the Covid-19. In addition, they are at 485 times more risk than the general people. There are 7 million American adults in total in the immunocompromised group.
