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WMAR: CDC Recommends Third Shot for Immunocompromised Americans

August 13, 2021 | Ray Strickland

The CDC has recommended a third COVID-19 shot for millions of Americans with compromised immune systems.

The federal agency’s decision follows the FDA’s move to authorize the additional shot of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.

It comes after research has shown the vaccine isn’t as effective for immunocompromised people compared to the general population.

“As a result, they have had to continue taking significant precautions, potentially not seeing loved ones, remaining in isolation for their health,” Dr. Kapil Saharia, who is the chief of the solid organ transplant infectious diseases service at the University of Maryland Medical Center and member of IHV.

Dr. Saharia called it welcomed news for transplant patients and those with severely compromised immune systems.

“This is certainly encouraging news,” he said.

He said the latest studies have shown a third shot gives transplant patients a higher antibody response.

Dr. Saharia said even though the shot will give them better protection, he added it’s important to still wear a mask and socially distance.

Read the full story

Contact

Vanessa McMains, PhD
Director of Media & Public Affairs
Institute for Human Virology
University of Maryland School of Medicine
vmcmains@ihv.umaryland.edu
443-875-6099

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    Thursday, March 19, 2020

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    (Source: Business Insider) According to the World Health Organization-China Joint Mission on COVID-19, as of February 20, 80% of laboratory-confirmed cases were mild to moderate, 14% were severe, and 6% were critical. Just to be clear, a mild case of COVID-19 is not like a mild cold. The symptoms will still be pretty severe. Anything less than needing oxygen puts you in this category. Severe cases do need supplemental oxygen, and critical ones are defined by respiratory or multi-organ failure.