Health officials are now recommending that qualifying immunocompromised individuals should receive an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine following the amended emergency use authorization (EAU) by the FDA.
The FDA amended the EUAs last week for both the Pfizer and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a third shot in certain immunocompromised individuals, to be administered at least 28 days following the two-dose regimen.
The CDC also now recommends that people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses.
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said Thursday he recommends for those who qualify to receive the additional shot.
“This is for individuals who may not have received adequate protection from their initial primary vaccine series. People with normal immune systems are not advised to receive an additional dose at this time,” Stack said. “Anyone with questions about their eligibility should talk with their health care provider.”
Owensboro Health officials also continue to recommend everyone get vaccinated, and OH has updated their website regarding vaccine scheduling and availability. According to that site, the criteria for having a weakened immune system include:
- Currently receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years
- Taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
For more information or to schedule a vaccine appointment through Owensboro Health, click here.
The Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use in individuals ages 12 and older, and the Moderna vaccine is authorized for emergency use in individuals ages 18 and older.
Individuals who have received a Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine are not recommended to receive an additional dose at this time. Third doses can be received by any COVID-19 vaccine provider that stocks the same mRNA vaccine that was used for an individual’s primary series (Pfizer or Moderna).
According to the FDA, it is recommended that immunocompromised individuals discuss monoclonal antibody treatment options with their health care provider should they contract or be exposed to COVID-19. The FDA has authorized monoclonal antibody treatments for emergency use during this public health emergency for adults and pediatric patients (ages 12 and older) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.
