On March 29th, 2022, the FDA authorized the fourth dose of the vaccine for immunocompromised individuals ages 12 and older as well as for people 50 and older who are at least four months past their previous dose.

The full scope of the guidance is as follows:

• A second booster dose, or fourth dose, of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine can now be given to Arkansans above the age of 50 at least four months after the first booster shot.
• The fourth dose of the COVID vaccine may be administered to individuals 12 years of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. These include people who are:
  • Receiving cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are on immunosuppressive medications
  • Have received a stem cell transplant in the last two years
  • Have an advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Receiving a high dose of corticosteroids or other immune-suppressing medication

Data and research on the effectiveness of the fourth booster shot are limited at this time, however, known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against mild and severe disease has been shown to wane over time.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the immune response stimulated by a fourth dose was similar in effect to that of the third dose, “inducing an increase in live neutralization of the omicron variant and other viral strains by a factor of approximately 10.” While data is still limited, researchers found the efficacy of the fourth vaccine against symptomatic disease to be roughly 65%. This study also found that the additional dose did not lead to substantial adverse effects.

In data reported by several global health institutions, no new safety concerns have been discovered in groups that received a second booster dose of the vaccine at least four months after the first.

In an American Medical Association discussion with Peter Marks, MD, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), we are told that experts are exploring COVID-19 vaccines further “in terms of variant vaccines, but not for deployment broadly at this point.”

So, we do not yet have a recommendation for everyone to get their fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Due to the limited data on the benefits of a fourth COVID-19 vaccine in healthy adults and the rapid evolution of the COVID-19 variants, we do not have sufficient data to determine if an annual booster will be needed.

From the official reports, it may be advised to get a booster in the future, however, we are battling a quickly evolving virus that could become resistant to our existing vaccines. Additional research and testing will be needed to make that determination.

If you or someone you know falls into the category of adults 50+ or moderate to severely immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age or older, you are eligible to receive a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cornerstone Pharmacy and Compounding has been integral to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Arkansas since its early stages. (We were featured in The New York Times and People Magazine!)

Help us help you. Schedule your COVID booster appointment today!