FDA Authorizes Third Vaccine Dose for High-Risk Immune-Compromised Individuals

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted authorization for a third vaccine dose for transplant recipients and other individuals with severely weakened immune systems, in an effort to provide better protection against COVID-19. While the decision only applies to these high-risk groups, not the general public, it has sparked a wave of interest in obtaining a third dose, with approximately 1.1 million people already receiving a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on their own. However, experts warn that a third dose is not a guarantee of protection, and high-risk patients should continue to take precautions such as masking and social distancing.

Key Takeaways:

• The FDA has authorized a third vaccine dose for transplant recipients and other individuals with severely weakened immune systems, in an effort to provide better protection against COVID-19.
• Approximately 1.1 million people have already received a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on their own, although it's unclear how many did so due to weakened immune systems.
• People who take immune-suppressing medications or have diseases that tamp down their immune systems tend to receive less benefit from the standard two doses of the vaccine.
• Roughly 7 million American adults are classified as immune-compromised, but the FDA has only authorized a third dose for transplant recipients and others with similar levels of immune suppression.
• The FDA did not require a doctor's note or a blood test for individuals to receive a third dose, but experts recommend that high-risk patients consult with their healthcare providers before obtaining additional vaccination.
• Shots given under the FDA's emergency use authorization are free, and mixing and matching vaccines is not strictly prohibited, although the government encourages the third dose to be the same as the first two.
• Researchers have reported that 55% of transplant recipients given a third dose of the Moderna vaccine had good antibody levels compared to 18% who received a dummy shot.
• If high-risk patients still experience breakthrough infections after receiving a third dose, the FDA has authorized an antibody treatment as a preventive measure.
• Family members and close contacts of high-risk patients are also crucial in preventing transmission and should be vaccinated.
• More research is necessary to determine whether some immune-compromised patients may need additional options, such as modified treatment plans.

Statistics:

• 1.1 million people have already received a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines on their own. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• 7 million American adults are classified as immune-compromised. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• 90,000 people have received a third dose of the J&J vaccine on their own. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• 14 million Americans have received the J&J vaccine. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• 55% of transplant recipients given a third dose of the Moderna vaccine had good antibody levels. (Source: Canadian researchers)
• 18% of transplant recipients given a dummy shot had good antibody levels. (Source: Canadian researchers)

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Food and Drug Administration
• The Associated Press Health and Science Department
• Canadian researchers
• Journal of the American Medical Association
• The New England Journal of Medicine