The panel’s action comes after the FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for Pfizer and Moderna shots this week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee voted unanimously Friday to recommend a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for some people with weakened immune systems, despite lingering questions about who qualifies for the extra dose. The panel’s action comes after the FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for the two mRNA shots late Thursday. The agency now allows an additional dose for solid-organ transplant recipients “or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.” Peter Marks, FDA’s top vaccine adviser, cautioned that a third dose in these patients may only be “moderately effective” at boosting their immune response to the vaccine. These people should maintain physical mitigation measures like masking, distancing and avoiding crowded indoor spaces even after the third shot, health officials said, and their close contacts are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against Covid. FDA’s update left the task of firming up the definition of “immunocompromised” to the CDC panel and to individual doctors. CDC officials said they would publish updated guidance on who will be considered to have «moderate or severe» immunosuppressive conditions that qualify them for a third dose later on Friday.
