vaccinated people to be hospitalized with COVID-19 or die from the disease.
Research shows that a booster shot improves the antibody response to the vaccine in certain immunocompromised people.
Moderately to severely immunocompromised people include those who are being treated for cancers of the blood or for tumors, certain organ transplant and stem cell recipients, people with advanced or untreated HIV, and those who take a high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune systems, according to the CDC.
The CDC estimates about 9 million Americans, or roughly 2% of the population, fall into this category.
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People who are immunocompromised who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot should get a booster at least two months after their initial vaccine.
People who choose a Moderna vaccine as a booster, even if they received a different vaccine as the first dose, should get the half-dose-sized shot that was authorized as a booster for Moderna’s vaccine, the CDC said in its recommendations.
Even if they are vaccinated, the CDC recommends people with conditions that compromise their immune systems should still try to avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and should wear a mask in indoor public spaces.