.png?height=120&name=211info-WHITE-Logo%20(1).png)
This information can change. Please double check resources and continue to monitor them for up to date information
On August 12th, the FDA announced an extension of the Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer & Moderna vaccines to allow for additional doses for immunocompromised individuals. The FDA approval is the first step. The CDC Advisory Committee met on August 13th and voted to recommend the additional doses while specifying which conditions qualify as immunocompromised. Read more about the CDC decision here.
On August 16, the Western States Pact moved forward with the CDC recommendation regarding additional doses.
Please note that not all sites have systems in place to administer additional doses immediately.
Who Qualifies for an Additional Dose
On August 13, the Center of Disease Control (CDC) updated the definition of immunocompromised which can be found here. People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition and whether their specific situation is appropriate for receiving an additional dose. In summation, those that qualify include people who have:
- Received an organ transplant and are taking immune suppressants
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking immune suppressants
- Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
At this time, only those with compromised immune systems as laid out in the CDC guidance will be eligible to receive additional doses (distinct from Booster Shots). While there may be a reduction in efficacy at preventing any kind of symptoms, the vaccine remains highly effective at preventing severe illness.
For information on booster shots click here.