ATAGI recommendation on the use of a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
Version 1.0 – 7 October 2021
- These recommendations have been prepared in consultation with the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
- ATAGI recommends a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in severely immunocompromised populations to address the risk of suboptimal or non-response to the standard 2 dose schedule.
- The 3rd dose is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population.
- ATAGI recommends that all individuals aged ≥12 years with certain conditions or on therapies leading to severe immunocompromise, as defined in Box 1, receive a 3rd primary dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- An mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is preferred to Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) for this 3rd dose. AstraZeneca can be used for the 3rd dose for individuals who have received AstraZeneca for their first 2 doses if there are no contraindications or precautions for use, or if a significant adverse reaction has occurred after a previous mRNA vaccine dose which contraindicates further doses of mRNA vaccine (e.g., anaphylaxis, myocarditis).
- The recommended interval for the 3rd dose is 2 to 6 months after the 2nd dose of vaccine.
- A minimum interval of 4 weeks may be considered in exceptional circumstances (e.g., anticipated intensification of immunosuppression; outbreaks).
- People who have received a 2nd dose more than 6 months ago should receive a 3rd dose as soon as feasible.
- An individual with an unlisted condition should only be considered for a 3rd dose where the treating physician has assessed the patient as having a similar level of severe immunocompromise to the listed conditions in Box 1, and where the benefits of a 3rd dose of COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks.
- Individuals who currently are not severely immunocompromised but who will commence significant immunosuppressive therapy ≥ 2 weeks after their 2nd dose do not require a 3rd dose, as it can be expected that an adequate response to 2 primary doses will be achieved.
- Antibody testing is not recommended to assess for immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination, including in immunocompromised individuals after a 2nd or 3rd dose. There are no serological assays that provide a definitive correlate of immunity to SARS-CoV-2. ATAGI also does not recommend subsequent doses beyond the 3rd dose at this time. Many patients who fail to respond to 3rd doses may not respond to further doses.
- Protection from 3 primary doses in severely immunocompromised individuals may still be lower than the general population. Risk mitigation strategies such as mask wearing and social distancing should continue to be used even after receipt of a 3rd dose.
- ATAGI will continue to monitor the evidence around duration of protection and advise on the need for subsequent (booster) doses in immunocompromised populations to address waning of protection or risk from variants of concern.
- ATAGI will provide further advice on booster doses for healthcare workers, older adults and the general population separately. See ATAGI statement about the need for additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
- ATAGI recommends a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in severely immunocompromised populations to address the risk of suboptimal or non-response to the standard 2 dose schedule.
Download the full statement here.
Source: Health.gov.au