[ad_1]
The Food and Drug Administration will update its emergency use authorization for the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines as early as Thursday to allow immunocompromised people to get a third dose, a source familiar with the matter told Axios.
Why is this important: Data suggests that people with weakened immune systems do not generate sufficiently strong levels of protection against the virus with just two doses, but a third dose could help significantly.
Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.
The big picture: Scientists have debated who should get booster shots and when, as the highly contagious Delta variant is increasing the number of new cases across the country.
-
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 2.7% of American adults are immunocompromised, a group that includes people who are undergoing cancer treatment, living with HIV, or receiving an organ transplant, between others.
-
More than one million people in the United States have received unauthorized recalls of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines according to an internal CDC briefing obtained by ABC News.
Inventory: In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) urged action on additional doses for people with compromised immunity, according to NBC News.
-
In July, Israel became the first country to offer booster shots for people with compromised immune systems and the elderly.
-
Germany and the UK have also announced their intention to offer boosters from September.
-
Yes, but: The World Health Organization has called for a moratorium on booster injections until at least September to allow poorer countries access to doses.
What to watch: ACIP will meet on Friday to make recommendations on booster injections for immunocompromised people.
Go further: The mess of CDC reminder messages
More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free
[ad_2]
Source link