Those With Weak Immune System Can Get COVID Booster Jabs, Say US Authorities

New Delhi: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday allowed people with compromised immune systems to get a third dose of the COVID vaccine.

The change in FDA regulation is specific to patients who have been unable to mount an adequate immune response against the virus, even after being fully vaccinated. The additional dose will provide these patients with levels of protection seen in people without weakened immune systems, experts were quoted as saying.

The FDA said that the additional doses are for “certain immunocompromised individuals, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.” The amended EUAs apply only to the third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

“Today’s action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19. As we’ve previously stated, other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time,” acting FDA Commissioner Dr Janet Woodcock said in a statement.

The FDA said that the additional doses are for “certain immunocompromised individuals, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.” This applies only to third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.