Booster shots: Fourth dose will be needed for the immunocompromised

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their guidelines to include a second booster shot to be necessary for the immunocompromised.

A fourth shot for immunocompromised

People above the age of 18 that have weakened immune systems, either moderately or to a severe extent, will have to get a fourth COVID shot six months after their third one. This includes people who live with medical conditions such as cancer and HIV and those who have received an organ transplant. So far, only Moderna, Pfizer or the Janssen vaccine will be administered as a second booster shot.

Statistics show that in the US alone, about nine million individuals in the country live with compromised immune systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also followed in the steps of the CDC and advised all those who fall under the category of immunocompromised to seek additional vaccine protection against COVID-19.

One study, conducted by Johns Hopkins University, found that people with compromised immune systems were up to 484 times likelier to require hospitalisation or die from the virus despite having gotten jabbed.

A real concern in the winter

England's Chief nursing officer, Ruth May, encourages all those concerned by this information to get a booster jab as soon as possible to further protect themselves this coming winter. As has been seen in the past, people's immune systems weaken in the colder months of the year so this is especially concerning for the immunocompromised. May explained that:

I have received my booster shot ahead of winter to protect myself and those around me - I would urge others to do the same. It is quick, effective and provides really important protection against the virus.