FDA Approves Booster Shot for Immunocompromised Individuals (Comprehensive)

Fourth Booster Dose Worldwide for Organ Transplant Recipients and Cancer Patients

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The United States has become the fourth country worldwide to decide on administering COVID-19 booster shots. Despite opposition from the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. plans to prioritize vaccination for immunocompromised groups due to the spread of the Delta variant.

On the 12th (local time), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in a statement that it has authorized a third dose for immunocompromised individuals. This makes the U.S. the fourth country to join the ranks of booster shot administrations, following Israel, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

The eligible recipients are immunocompromised individuals who have undergone organ transplants, cancer treatment, or are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among others, who have already received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The third dose is to be administered at least 28 days after the second dose.

However, the FDA did not mention additional vaccination plans for high-risk groups who received the single-dose Janssen vaccine.

Janet Woodcock, Acting FDA Commissioner, stated, "The United States has entered a new COVID-19 pandemic phase," adding, "The FDA recognizes that people with weakened immune systems due to severe illness are at risk."

Even if the FDA grants approval, booster shot administration requires additional recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CNBC reported that "the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a CDC advisory panel, is scheduled to vote on the booster shot recommendation on the 13th."

The proportion of immunocompromised adults in the U.S. is only 2.7%. However, they account for as much as 44% of severe cases, indicating a high likelihood of serious conditions if infected with COVID-19. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, even after vaccination, their probability of breakthrough infection is 485 times higher than that of the general population.

Within U.S. health authorities, opinions remain divided regarding vaccination for the general public. On the same day, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), appeared on CBS and said, "Except for those with weakened immune systems, there is no immediate need for booster shots," but added, "At some point in the future, everyone will need to receive them to extend and strengthen immunity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.