FDA AUTHORIZES ADDITIONAL COVID-19 VACCINE DOSE, CDC/HHS RECOMMEND 3RD BOOSTER SHOT
The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency use authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for an additional (3rd) dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. This population includes people who have had solid organ transplants or are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equal level of immunocompromise.
For example, if you’ve had a liver or kidney transplant, or you have a disease for which you take drugs that suppress your immune system to the same degree as transplant recipients, you should receive a third, or booster, dose of SARS-CoV-19 vaccine.
Other non-immunosuppressed individuals who are fully vaccinated (have already received two doses of vaccine) DO NOT NEED AN ADDITIONAL (3rd) DOSE OF VACCINE AT THIS TIME.
Eligible individuals must be 18 years of age for Moderna vaccine, and 12 years of age for Pfizer vaccine, and receive the shot at least 28 days after the second dose of the two-dose regimen.
Further information on the necessity of a third/booster shot for regular individuals is still to be determined. The CDC met today, Friday, August 13th, but the only announcement I found was regarding immunocompromised patients.
I suspect more information on booster vaccinations will come later this month or in time for the annual influenza immunization period.
Reference: https://www.dgalerts.docguide.com/fda-aurhorises-additional-COVID-19-vaccine-dose.
THIRD BOOSTER SHOT
Beginning September 20, 2021, the U.S. Government will give a third, or booster, shot of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine to those who received their vaccination in the early phases of vaccine administration. “Starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose…of mRNA vaccine,” these booster shots will be given. “We are starting to see evidence of reduced protection against mild and moderate disease,” and “a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability.”
Residents of long-term care facilities will be the first to receive vaccine. It is recommended that the third shot be with the same vaccine product you received in the first two shots. The FDA is “conducting an independent evaluation and verification of the safety and effectiveness of a third dose of the vaccines,” so the timeline of September 20, 2021 for third-dose administration may change. Stay tuned!
Reference: https://www.patientcareonline.com/view/hhs-joint-statement-outlines-….
