FDA authorizes COVID-19 booster dose for people who are immunocompromised

Joe DoughertyFeatured News

(Salt Lake City) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) is encouraged by today’s news that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for people who are immunocompromised.

As is the case with all vaccines, the UDOH recommends providers wait for final guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) prior to administering COVID-19 booster doses to immunocompromised patients.

“We are excited about the FDA’s announcement regarding the use of boosters for people who are immunocompromised. We will be following today’s ACIP meeting closely in order to provide additional guidance on who will benefit most from an additional dose,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, UDOH state epidemiologist. “We are working to calculate the size of this population, but we currently have a large supply of vaccine in the state, and providers have the ability to order additional doses if needed.”

ACIP is currently scheduled to meet later this morning to discuss booster doses for people who are immunocompromised.