FDA Authorizes 3rd Dose of Pfizer Vaccine for Immunocompromised Kids

Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to allow a third dose for moderately or severely immunocompromised children between the ages of 5-11. Eligible children include many in our community of pediatric cancer patients and survivors: those who have "undergone solid organ transplantation, or who have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise."

Immunocompromised children who have received their second vaccine at least 28 days ago are now eligible for this third shot, as the FDA has determined it is safe and effective at increasing their immune response. "This will now allow these children to receive the maximum potential benefit from vaccination," according to the FDA release. Following the FDA’s approval, the Centers for Disease Control updated its recommendations, clearing the way for providers to begin administering the third dose.

Learn More: 6 Things to Know If You're Immunocompromised and Considering a 3rd Shot, NPR

In the same announcement this week, the FDA also authorized booster doses for the 12-15 year old population, given the current surge in cases due to the omicron variant. The booster interval has been updated to allow all individuals ages 12 and up to receive their booster five months after completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination series. The new booster interval applies only to the Pfizer vaccine, but FDA is evaluating the other vaccines and will provide additional guidance as appropriate.

The medical community, including the Children's Oncology Group, strongly recommends that children in treatment and childhood cancer survivors receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children with cancer who test positive for COVID-19 are at risk for more severe illness than children who do not have cancer. This study from August 2021 found that about 20 percent of pediatric cancer patients who tested positive for COVID-19 experienced a severe infection, compared to 1-6 percent of children in the general population. Children with cancer are more likely to require hospitalization than other children, and their cancer care is often disrupted from their COVID-19 infection.

If you have questions or concerns about whether the third dose is appropriate for your vaccinated child or adolescent, we urge you to contact your oncology or survivorship provider. 

Please visit our COVID-19 resource page for more information. We remain committed to bringing you reliable, trusted information that you can count on during this challenging time.