COVID-19 Vaccination Update: Third Dose Recommended for Immunocompromised Individuals
As the world races to ramp up vaccine distribution and administration, new developments continue to emerge in the battle against COVID-19. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommended a third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised individuals.
According to the CDC, the decision was made after studies found that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals had lower antibody responses to the initial two-dose vaccine series than those with normal immune systems. With this in mind, individuals who fall into this category are now recommended to receive a third dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.
Immunocompromised individuals include those with a range of medical conditions, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, those with organ transplants or autoimmune diseases, and those living with HIV/AIDS. The CDC estimates that around 3% of adults fall into this category and are at greater risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
While the CDC recommends a third dose for this specific population, people who are not immunocompromised do not need an additional shot at this time. The CDC advises that it is still essential for everyone, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to continue practicing preventive measures such as wearing masks, social distancing in public, and washing hands regularly.
As vaccine administration continues worldwide, health officials stress the importance of continued vigilance and a commitment to public health measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. The emergence of new variants and breakthrough cases highlight the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the need to remain flexible in response.
To stay up to date on the latest developments and recommendations from health officials, it is essential to follow trusted sources of information and guidance such as the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO). By working together and staying informed, we can continue to navigate the pandemic and keep our communities safe and healthy.
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html