CDC Amends EUA to Include 4th Dose for Immunocompromised

October 27, 2021

Yesterday, the CDC updated their guidelines on COVID-19 vaccines for those who are “moderately and severely” immunocompromised. People who fall into this category include those living with autoimmune disease, who are currently on therapies such as high-dose corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress the immune system.

Those who received an mRNA vaccine for their primary series and received an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine, may receive a fourth COVID-19 booster dose at 6+ months. This fourth dose may be administered using a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine. “In such situations, people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised may receive a total of four COVID-19 vaccine doses.” 

If obtaining a Moderna vaccine for a third dose, one should receive a half dose at 50 micrograms, followed by an additional, fourth 50 microgram dose at 6+ months.

Those who are immunocompromised and received the J&J vaccine for their primary series should get a second COVID-19 vaccine. If the J&J primary dose is followed by a Moderna booster, it should measure 50 micrograms. Those who received a J&J vaccine for their primary series followed by either a second dose of the J&J, Moderna or Pfizer vaccine should not obtain a third dose at this time.