The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized individuals with weakened immune systems to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The announcement was released later on Thursday and applies to patients with organ transplants, certain cancers, or other immunocompromised diseases. The FDA stated that these people can get boosters from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna.
FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said in a statement: “Today’s action enables doctors to increase the immunity of certain immune-compromised individuals who need additional protection against COVID-19.”
This highly anticipated measure taken by U.S. officials is to protect Vulnerable individuals, Who did it 3% of the U.S. population, As the country sees COVID-19 cases surge Due to the highly contagious Delta variant.
Vaccines are more difficult to strengthen the immune system suppressed by certain drugs and diseases, and those high-risk patients do not always receive the same protection as other healthy people. Small studies have shown that additional doses may be the solution, Associated Press reports.
The FDA reiterated that other people who are fully vaccinated against COVID “are fully protected” and do not need additional doses at this time. CNBC report.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to meet on Friday to discuss booster injections for immunocompromised groups. If the third shot is approved, the vaccine can begin immediately.
