Western States Sign off on Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised

Following a move by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week to allow for the administration of an additional Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine dose to certain immunocompromised individuals, the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup convened and concurred with the FDA move, paving the way for third doses to be administered to certain individuals in California and other western states.

The Western States group reviewed evidence presented to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and ultimately supported the FDA and CDC’s decision to ensure protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly as the COVID-19 delta variant continues to spread.

Additional information from the Western States group is available here. A statement about the Western States’ approval from CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón is available here.