US CDC Recommends 4th COVID-19 Dose for Cancer Patients and Organ Transplant Recipients

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines allowing a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people with weakened immune systems.

According to NBC News and others on the 27th (local time), the CDC recently revised its guidelines to allow people with weakened immune systems to receive an additional dose (booster shot) starting six months after completing their initial vaccination series.

The recommendation targets adults with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), accounting for about 2.7% of the U.S. population.

In August, the CDC recommended a third vaccine dose for immunocompromised individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. For those with weakened immunity, the third dose is considered part of the initial vaccination series.

The fourth dose aims to enhance vaccine effectiveness for those who have not developed sufficiently strong immunity even after the third dose. The recommended vaccines for the fourth dose include the Janssen vaccine as well.