Additional mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People

Overview

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for additional doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. People with immunocompromising conditions or who take immunosuppressive medications or therapies are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. Studies indicate that some immunocompromised people have a reduced immune response following a primary COVID-19 vaccine series compared to vaccine recipients who are not immunocompromised. Studies have further demonstrated that an additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series in some immunocompromised populations may enhance immune response. 

During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss the current data on COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised people; the role of additional doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, patients who should be considered to receive these additional COVID-19 vaccine doses, results from the August 13, 2021, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, and CDC’s guidance on additional COVID-19 doses in immunocompromised people.

Presenters

Kathleen Dooling, MD, MPH
ACIP Workgroup Team Lead
Vaccine Task Force
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Neela Goswami, MD, MPH
Clinical Guidelines Team Lead
Vaccine Task Force
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA
CAPT, U.S. Public Health Service
Vaccine Task Force
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Katherine Shealy, MPH, IBCLC
Vaccine Clinical Inquiry Management Team Lead
Vaccine Task Force
COVID-19 Response
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention