WHO panel recommends Covid vaccine booster shot for people with weak immunity

October 12, 2021 09:54

People with weaker immune systems should receive an additional shot of approved COVID-19 vaccines, an advisory group to the World Health Organisation said.

The recommendation follows a four-day meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.

A final report will be issued in December, the WHO said in a statement.

SAGE said moderately and severely immunocompromised persons should be offered an additional dose of all WHO-approved vaccines "since these individuals are less likely to respond adequately to vaccination following a standard primary vaccine series and are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease."

People aged 60 and older who received the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines should get a third dose too, the experts added, though the use of other vaccines may also be considered depending on supply and access, the WHO informed.

"When implementing this recommendation, countries should initially aim at maximising 2-dose coverage in that population, and thereafter administer the third dose, starting in the oldest age groups", they said.

SAGE has also reviewed a vaccine developed by Indian company Bharat Biotech and will issue a policy recommendation after WHO greenlights it for emergency use.

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