FDA Approves Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals

On August 12, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that it had amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of one additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals—specifically, solid organ transplant recipients and people diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. These individuals have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases and are especially vulnerable to infections, including COVID-19.  A third vaccine dose is recommended to boost immunity. The FDA is not authorizing a third dose for other individuals who are not immunocompromised at this time.