Vaccine EUA Expanded For Limited Authorization Of Third Dose
On August 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to authorize a third dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine administered at least 28 days following the two-dose regimen of either vaccine. This authorization is extremely limited and applies only to eligible individuals (12 years of age or older for Pfizer-BioNTech or 18 years of age or older for Moderna) who have undergone solid organ transplantation or who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. This action does not apply to people who are not immunocompromised.
In Delaware, providers may, using best clinical judgement, administer the third dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 to eligible individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation or who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise effective immediately, or as soon as they are in a position to do so.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is scheduled to meet today to discuss further clinical recommendations regarding immunocompromised individuals. DPH will update its messaging and issue a Health Alert Notice (HAN) as soon as more specifics from ACIP are available.
