Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CDC Says People Who Are Immunocompromised Can Get Fourth Covid Shot
Axios: CDC Says Some Immunocompromised People Can Get Fourth COVID Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in updated guidelines Tuesday that some immunocompromised people who have received either Pfizer or Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines will be able to get a fourth shot. People over 18 who are "moderately to severely immunocompromised" and have received three doses of an mRNA vaccine may get a fourth shot (of either the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines) at least six months after getting their third Pfizer or Moderna dose, per the CDC. (Saric, 10/26)
CNN: Immunocompromised People May Need A Fourth Covid-19 Shot, CDC Says
A study from Johns Hopkins University this summer showed that vaccinated immunocompromised people were 485 times more likely to end up in the hospital or die from Covid-19 compared to most vaccinated people. In small studies, the CDC said, fully vaccinated immunocompromised people accounted for about 44% of the breakthrough cases that required hospitalization. People who are immunocompromised are also more likely to transmit the virus to people who had close contact with them. The US Food and Drug Administration has also authorized booster shots of all three available vaccines for certain people and that would include the immune compromised, the CDC says. (Christensen, 10/26)
In other booster news —
NPR: Which Booster Shot Should You Get And Do You Even Need One?
The criteria for a booster shot can depend on your age, job, where you live and your underlying health. In most cases, you have to wait until six months after your first two shots. What's more, booster shots don't have to match the first vaccine you had. As you sort through the maze of information (ideally in coordination with your doctor), remember that even without a booster, the vaccines available in the U.S are very effective. (Stone, 10/26)
NPR: Booster Quiz: Find Out If You're Eligible And Which One To Get
Scientists and federal health agencies debated COVID-19 boosters for weeks, and are now recommending them for all three approved vaccines, for some — but not all — Americans. Feeling a little lost in all the details about who is currently supposed to get a booster? Take our quiz to understand what's advised in your situation. (Huang, Hurt, Torchinsky and Wroth, 10/26)
Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit Health Depts. Offering Moderna, J&J COVID-19 Boosters
The city of Detroit and its neighboring suburban health departments have begun giving Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots. The city said it began offering the boosters Tuesday, in addition to Pfizer boosters, at all city-run vaccination sites, including 10 walk-in centers and home visits. Oakland County Health Division also began administering booster doses of Moderna and J&J vaccines at sites in Pontiac and Holly, with more clinics scheduled throughout the week in Rochester, Pontiac and Southfield. Pfizer booster doses also will be available. (Hall, 10/26)
Philadelphia Inquirer: COVID Boosters In Pa., N.J. Rising With Modern, Johnson And Johnson, Pfizer All Approved
More Pennsylvanians are showing up for coronavirus booster shots than are getting newly vaccinated, following a national trend in the first days that boosters of all three vaccines have been available to millions of Americans. Last week, more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians and 80,000 New Jerseyans got boosters, according to state data, including some who became eligible after the FDA and CDC endorsed Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters midweek. Vaccine providers and health officials across the Philadelphia region said they have seen modest increases in vaccinations since the approval and expected demand to rise further. (McCarthy and McDaniel, 10/27)
And more on the vaccine rollout —
WGCU: A UF Study With Pregnant Health Workers Suggests The COVID Vaccine Protects Nursing Infants, Too
Being a parent is hard enough with difficult decisions to make each day. Now add a choice that could make a difference between life or death – even before the bundle of joy is born. Pregnant women must decide whether to take a COVID-19 vaccine, without knowing the long-term effects of the new inoculation, or risk catching the virus. However, one factor that may tip the scales toward taking the vaccine are recent studies, such as one from out of the University of Florida from late this summer. It strongly suggests the vaccine could protect not only the mother, but also nursing infants. (Brownstone, 10/26)
CIDRAP: Guaranteed Cash Worked As A COVID Vaccine Incentive, Study Says
A guaranteed $25 cash card for both vaccine recipients and drivers of vaccine recipients lessened slowing COVID-19 vaccine uptake at participating sites in North Carolina, according to a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine yesterday. This contrasts with a JAMA study in July that showed no increased vaccine uptake from Ohio's million-dollar lottery. (10/26)
