CDC Authorizes Booster for the Immunocompromised

On August 13, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.

Below the FDA acting commissioner explains why:

“The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease. After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines. This action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19…Other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time. The FDA is actively engaged in a science-based, rigorous process with our federal partners to consider whether an additional dose may be needed in the future.”

Connecticut COVID-19 vaccine providers may now provide a third dose to immunocompromised patients who have completed a primary series of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

This third dose is recommended for the immunocompromised is an additional vaccine dose when the initial immune response following a primary vaccine series is likely to be insufficient or has waned over time.

The current recommendation only applies to the immunocompromised. The need for and timing of a COVID-19 booster dose for the general population have not been established but recommendations should be coming soon.

Below is a helpful video where Dr. Dhami discusses importance of boosters for those who are immunocompromised.