CDC group weighs Covid booster shots for immunocompromised people at higher risk of breakthrough infections - CNBC

A CDC advisory group is considering whether fully vaccinated Americans with weakened immune systems need a booster dose of a Covid vaccine after data shows they are less likely to have antibodies to fight the disease and more likely to suffer from a so-called breakthrough infection.

Studies suggest that a third vaccine dose might help patients whose immune systems don't respond as well to a first or second dose.

Four small studies cited by the CDC showed that 16% to 80% of people with weakened immune systems didn't have detectable antibodies to fight Covid after two shots.

CDC group weighs Covid booster shots for immunocompromised people.

Among immunosuppressed patients who had no detectable antibody response, 33% to 50% developed an antibody response after receiving an additional dose, according to the CDC.

"Emerging data suggest that an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose in immunocompromised people enhances antibody response and increases the proportion who respond," according to one slide presented at the meeting.