FDA, CDC allow second booster for adults 50+ and immunocompromised people

March 31, 2022
FDA, CDC allow second booster for adults 50+ and immunocompromised people

MARCH 30, 2022 – COVID vaccine boosters are in the news again.

All adults age 50+ and those age 12+ with specific risk factors may get a second booster (a fourth dose) four months or longer after their booster.

Adults 65+ and those 50+ with specific risk factors should get a second booster, says the CDC.

On March 29, the FDA authorized a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna for older people and certain immunocompromised individuals. The CDC updated its recommendations based on the FDA’s decision.

NH+C is waiting for guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health before scheduling a second booster for eligible individuals. NH+C follows CDC and MDH guidelines for COVID vaccination.

It’s important to get unvaccinated people protected against COVID-19. The CDC reports that during the recent Omicron surge, unvaccinated people were 21 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated + boosted individuals.

It’s not too late to get your first dose. Schedule your appointment: 507-646-8019

For second boosters, FDA specifies that:

Adults 50 and older may get a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 4 months after their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine People who have had solid-organ transplant or have a health condition with an equivalent level of immunocompromise may get a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first booster dose. Ages 12 and older for Pfizer Ages 18 and older for Moderna

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky says another booster “is especially important for those 65 and older and those 50 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for severe disease from COVID-19, as they are the most likely to benefit from receiving an additional booster dose at this time.”

CDC’s list of underlying medical conditions includes:

Cancer Chronic kidney disease Chronic liver disease Chronic lung diseases (asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension) Cystic fibrosis Dementia or other neurological conditions Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) Disabilities (including ADHD, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome) Heart conditions HIV infection Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) Mental health conditions (depression, schizophrenia) Overweight and obesity Pregnancy Sickle cell disease or thalassemia Smoking, current or former Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant Stroke or cerebrovascular disease Substance use disorders Tuberculosis

Read the FDA’s announcement here.

Read the CDC’s announcement here.

Learn more about COVID vaccination at NH+C.