"US FDA Preparing to Approve 3rd Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised Adults"

9 Million US Adults Immunocompromised... "Booster Shots Needed"
Pfizer and Moderna Emergency Use Authorization Updates Expected Soon

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly preparing to approve a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for adults with weakened immune systems who have already been vaccinated. If approved, this will mark the first booster shot administration in the United States.

On the 11th (local time), NBC News, citing sources familiar with the FDA, reported, "The FDA is preparing to revise the emergency use authorizations for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allow a third dose for adults with weakened immune systems who have already been vaccinated," adding, "This measure is being taken following recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel advising the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

According to the U.S. CDC, approximately 9 million adults, or 2.7% of the total adult population in the U.S., have weakened immune systems even after vaccination. NBC News reported that this group includes individuals with autoimmune diseases, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients.

In particular, organ transplant recipients often take immunosuppressive drugs to reduce rejection of the transplanted organ, making it difficult for antibodies to be properly generated even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

CNN reported that the approval could possibly be granted within the next 48 hours. On the same day, the FDA stated, "The FDA is closely monitoring additional studies conducted on immunocompromised individuals," and added, "We are conducting a potential evaluation of this issue in collaboration with the CDC and will announce measures in the near future." CNN also reported that the FDA and CDC are currently discussing the appropriate vaccine dosage and the number of eligible recipients for the third dose.

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