Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CDC Advisers Support J&J Shot, Boosters For Immunocompromised
USA Today: COVID Booster Shot Benefits Immunocompromised People, Experts Say
People who are severely immune-compromised should consider getting a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, several members of a federal advisory committee said Thursday, and should definitely take other precautions like wearing masks and making sure those around them are vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which doesn't have the regulatory authority to officially recommend a third shot, presented data at its meeting Thursday that suggested a booster shot was unlikely to cause harm and might benefit someone who is significantly immunocompromised because of cancer or on powerful medication to prevent autoimmune reactions or organ rejection. (Weintraub, 7/23)
Fox News: J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Benefits ‘Far Outweigh’ Risks, CDC Panel Says After Reports Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines "far outweigh" potential risks amid an ongoing review of reports of a rare nerve disorder in a small fraction of J&J jab recipients. However, given the possible link, a new update will advise patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome to seek mRNA vaccines. CDC's Dr. Hannah Rosenblum, who presented during the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting Thursday, said "this assessment demonstrates that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination far outweigh the potential risks." (Rivas, 7/22)
Fox News: Fully Vaccinated, Immunocompromised Patients Should Keep Masking Up As Experts Probe Booster Shots: CDC Panel
Immunocompromised patients fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should continue to wear face masks, maintain 6 feet of distance and take preventive steps as researchers continue to weigh booster doses in the fragile population. Dr. Sara Oliver, member of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), presented slides during the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting Thursday, which read, "now, immunocompromised people should continue to follow infection prevention measures: wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces." (Rivas, 7/23)
The Wall Street Journal: U.S. Vaccine Panel Signals Preliminary Support For Covid-19 Booster Shots
A panel of health experts advising the U.S. government on vaccines expressed preliminary support for giving Covid-19 boosters to immunocompromised people, but said they were waiting for regulatory action before making a formal recommendation. A work group of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices panel also on Thursday endorsed the continued use of J&J’s vaccine, despite a recent warning about a low risk of a rare neurological disorder among people taking the shot. (Hopkins and Schwartz, 7/22)
