CDC OKs COVID-19 vaccine, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose Bi Valent vaccine on Wednesday, April 19, 2023

[lankisterguy]

CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older USA adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Media Statement For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 19, 2023

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(All my nearby CVS pharmacies had stock and were injecting patients at NOON on Thursday April 20- Len )

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Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although there was no vote at this meeting, ACIP members expressed their support for these recommendations.

These changes include:

CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. This allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.

Monovalent (original) mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.

CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.

Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.

For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.

Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine. CDC’s recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the changes made today.

CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease levels and vaccine effectiveness in the months ahead and look forward to additional discussion around potential updates this fall.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

[db601]

Thanks so much, Len.

I was wondering when …

[lexie]

Friend of mine is getting theirs today. I plan to tomorrow. Thanks!

[Fant1924]

what about those of us in Obinituzimab treatment?

Thanks,

Dennis, 76, USA, Alabama

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Fant1924]

Provided you had a COVID-19 vaccination prior to starting treatment for your CLL, you may have produced some plasma cells, memory B cells and more probably a T cell response, including some memory T cells. These all survive obinutuzumab and hence your immunity is likely to benefit from a booster shot. Same can be said for any form of treatment, but yes, obinutuzumab does inhibit a B cell response, typically for a year or more after your last infusion, if you haven't had a prior vaccination or exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Neil

[Fant1924 in reply to AussieNeil]

thank you. I have had 5 shots already with the last being September 22.

Dennis

[Ladydi49]

I got 1st Moderna February 7, 2021 2nd was March 7, 2021. In August 2021 when they came out with a half (extra dose to the primary series) I got that. Lastly I got the Omicron vaccine last September or December so, am I up to date?

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Ladydi49 ,

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The "Omicron" shot you got last September or December was the Bi Valent, and this new announcement allows you to get another of those now.

The CLL Society says: cllsociety.org/2023/03/cll-...

While the bivalent COVID-19 booster provided broadened immunity that was improved from the original booster shots, we know that immunity created from vaccine doses begin to wane around the four-month mark. The evidence to date suggests that COVID-19 vaccines offer strong protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. But their capacity to stave off infection is short-lived. What this means practically is that anyone who received their bivalent booster in the fall now has sub-optimal protection against infection.

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So the recommendation is to get another bi valent vaccination to keep you out of the hospital this summer.

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Len