Recent studies reveal that up to 80% of people with weakened immune systems didn’t have detectable antibodies to fight COVID after two shots. Studies suggest that a third vaccine dose might help patients whose immune systems don’t respond as well to a first or second dose. To improve immunity, booster vaccines have been evaluated among these individuals. Among immunosuppressed patients who had no detectable antibody response to the primary COVID vaccine series, 33% to 50% developed an antibody response after receiving an additional dose (CDC, 2021).
The FDA reviewed the data about booster vaccines in immunosuppressed patients and approved booster vaccination under an emergency use authorization. After the FDA approval, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed the data on Friday, August 13th and approved the use of an additional dose of the vaccine for some immunocompromised people*.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) said it should be left up to the patients and doctors to decide who needs an extra dose and what the timing of that dose should be.
“Advanced HIV and “Untreated HIV” are included as conditions that qualify an individual for a booster COVID vaccine dose. The recommendation does not include every person with HIV. The 1917 Clinic is currently developing a strategy to refer eligible 1917 Clinic patients for booster COVID vaccines to the UAB vaccine location or other locations where COVID vaccines are administered. The process will likely require a letter or prescription signed by your medical provider stating that a person is eligible for a booster COVID vaccine. Once our process is in place, we will update this website.
Turner Overton, M.D.
Medical Director
1917 Outpatient, Research and Dental Clinic