Essential information regarding COVID booster doses for immunocompromised individuals
The increase in the incidence of breakthrough infections has prompted specialists to explore better solutions. From combining COVID vaccinations to developing a hypothetical third COVID dosage, scientists and researchers are investigating numerous ways and strategies to increase the effectiveness of vaccines. Nonetheless, the US government’s health agency has recently advised a third mRNA booster injection for those with weakened immunity. The statement comes as Delta variant cases in the United States continue to grow.
How are COVID booster injections administered?
The majority of COVID vaccinations are given in a two-dose regimen. However, there are vaccinations available, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID vaccine.
Now, researchers are broadening their horizons and pursuing the development of a ‘booster’ or third COVID injection to assure increased efficacy. Given the growth in the number of new variations, a booster injection is predicted to give increased protection against the virus, since it reintroduces the immunizing antigen to a person’s immune system, which may have lost memory of it following the prior dosage.
Why should immunocompromised individuals receive a third COVID vaccination?
Individuals with weakened immune systems are more likely to get COVID-19 infection and are more susceptible to serious diseases and even death. Having said that, immunocompromised persons are more vulnerable to breakthrough infections, which means they can easily catch the fatal virus even after receiving all recommended vaccinations.
According to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “at a time when the Delta variant is on the rise, an additional vaccine dose for some people with weakened immune systems could help prevent serious and potentially fatal Covid-19 infections in this population.”
What does immunocompromised mean?
The CDC has identified who is eligible to get their third dose of COVID vaccination.
- Individuals undergoing treatment for tumors or blood cancers
- HIV infection that is advanced or untreated
- Individuals who have received an organ transplant
- Individuals who have undergone a stem cell transplant and are now on immunosuppressive medicine
- Individuals who suffer from mild to severe primary immunodeficiency
- Individuals who are receiving large doses of corticosteroids or any other medication that has the potential to decrease immunity
Immunocompromised individuals aged 18 or older are eligible for the Moderna vaccine, but Pfizer’s vaccine is allowed for adolescents aged 12 and older.
Is the third dosage of COVID vaccination sufficient to confer complete immunity?
While research on the efficiency of booster shots is ongoing, it has been shown that they may increase antibody responses in certain people.
There is no assurance that you will be completely protected against the virus with the third COVID shot. Even fully vaccinated persons who are fit and healthy can acquire COVID, thus the probability of immunocompromised individuals contracting the virus is significantly higher, even after the booster injection.
What does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend?
According to the CDC, individuals should receive the same vaccination they received for their first two doses, which implies that if an individual had Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for their first two doses, they should receive the same vaccine for their third dosage. However, if this is not possible, the CDC committee stated that a second dosage of the other mRNA vaccine may be given.
Currently, the booster injection is approved for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If a person has previously gotten another vaccination, they must still await additional instructions.