Update: COVID and Influenza Vaccination for Patients With Primary Immunodeficiency

People who are or who become moderately or severely immunocompromised after completing a 2-dose mRNA primary series do not need additional primary doses of the vaccine for COVID-19; however, they should follow the schedule for the booster dose, according to the October update to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

Factors to consider in assessing the general level of immune competence in a patient include disease severity, duration, clinical stability, complications, comorbidities, and any potentially immune-suppressing treatment, according to the CDC update. It further stated that age and place of residence alone, independent of a patient’s medical condition, should not be used to determine the level of immune competence.

The key takeaway points are to get the flu shot and ensure to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to stay healthy. In addition to patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI) following the vaccination schedule, it is imperative that household and all other contacts in proximity to these patients also prioritize getting vaccinated.

The live flu vaccine, which is administered as a nasal spray, is not recommended for patients who are immunocompromised. “Also note that immunoglobulin (Ig) products may not have protective levels of antibodies against current flu strains because manufacturing takes six months or more from the initial plasma donation,” the report stated.

—Priyam Vora

Reference:
COVID-19 vaccination guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. News Release. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; October 12, 2022.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s1012-COVID-19-Vaccines.html