There is a distinction between an additional COVID-19 shot and a booster dose, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended an additional COVID-19 shot for people over 18 with weakened immune systems earlier in August. The agency deemed it necessary because completing the initial vaccine series may have not provided a complete immune response.
Immunocompromised individuals include those who are in cancer treatments and those who take drugs that suppress the immune system. Stem cell and organ transplant recipients, as well as people with HIV, also fall under this category.
The health agency reportedly estimates about two percent of the U.S. population has compromised immune systems. This equates to about 9 million individuals living across the country.
Months after announcing the recommendations for a third dose among the immunocompromised, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the booster shots for certain groups of people in the United States. These include individuals with health conditions that make them moderately or severely immunocompromised.
A fourth COVID-19 shot for the immunocompromised
With the latest advice from the CDC, it appears that the boosters serve as a fourth COVID-19 shot for those who have weakened immune systems, according to CNN. Research also reportedly showed that a booster jab “enhanced the antibody response” to the vaccine among some immunocompromised individuals.
While the CDC guidelines seemingly indicate a fourth jab may be needed, the agency has yet to make official advice. As clarified, it does not have recommendations about a fourth COVID-19 shot at this time. Nevertheless, it urges the public to consult with their respective doctors about the matter.
Additional shot vs. Booster doses
The CDC’s current recommendation for immunocompromised individuals is to take an “additional dose” 28 days after completing the initial vaccine series either from Moderna or Pfizer. It noted, though, that there is a difference between a booster shot and an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The health agency’s official website explains that the third dose or the additional dose is only for individuals with compromised immune systems. It aims to improve the person’s response to the first two mRNA jabs.
Meanwhile, a booster shot is for people who have completed their vaccine series, including the one-dose COVID-19 shot from Johnson & Johnson. It aims to “boost” the protection against the virus as the immunity from the initial jab series tends to decrease over time.
Images courtesy of ABC News/YouTube