Who is considered immunocompromised? Questions surface as COVID-19 booster shots get traction
After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gives approval for boosters for those with compromised immune systems, there are still lots of questions to be settled over exactly who qualifies.
"Well, if it’s got to be, it’s got to be," said cancer patient Rosie Pribble.
Pribble is getting the last of her chemo treatments and has had pneumonia. She said she’s not worried about getting a booster if necessary.
"You worry about things, you get gray hair, see?” Pribble said with a laugh, pointing to her gray hair.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices is expected to meet Friday to determine specifics about who should get the booster.
"It will be those who have the highest risk for their immune system. Probably those with certain cancers, those with kidney disease. We know those are highly. immunocompromised," said Suzie Francis with St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Kentucky.
Francis headed up the mass vaccination efforts for St. Elizabeth.
"I think it will more than likely be based on chronic condition or medications that could affect your immune system, not necessarily age groups," Francis said.
"When your immune system isn't working ideally, or you’re taking medicine that affects your immune system, it does affect your ability to respond to vaccines," said Cincinnati Children’s Dr. Lara Danziger-Isakov.
Danziger-Isakov is director of immunocompromised host infections at Children’s.
Even after the advisory committee makes their recommendations there will likely be many still wondering if they should get the booster.
"It’s important for people to talk to their physicians to make this decision collectively and collaboratively," Danziger-Isakov said.
