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Eugene

(61,807 posts)
Sun Aug 8, 2021, 12:21 AM Aug 2021

Some in US getting COVID-19 boosters without FDA approval

Source: Associated Press

Some in US getting COVID-19 boosters without FDA approval

By PATTY NIEBERG
August 7, 2021

DENVER (AP) — When the delta variant started spreading, Gina Welch decided not to take any chances: She got a third, booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by going to a clinic and telling them it was her first shot.

The U.S. government has not approved booster shots against the virus, saying it has yet to see evidence they are necessary. But Welch and an untold number of other Americans have managed to get them by taking advantage of the nation’s vaccine surplus and loose tracking of those who have been fully vaccinated.

Welch, a graduate student from Maine who is studying chemical engineering, said she has kept tabs on scientific studies about COVID-19 and follows several virologists and epidemiologists on social media who have advocated for boosters.

“I’m going to follow these experts and I’m going to go protect myself,” said Welch, a 26-year-old with asthma and a liver condition. “I’m not going to wait another six months to a year for them to recommend a third dose.”

-snip-

Yet health care providers in the U.S. have reported more than 900 instances of people getting a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines in a database run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an Associated Press review of the system’s data found. Because reporting is voluntary, the full extent of people who have received third doses is unknown. It’s also unknown if all of those people were actively trying to get a third dose as a booster.

-snip-


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-fe8ecebb3b61c7d3ee8ed4225500cb0e
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Some in US getting COVID-19 boosters without FDA approval (Original Post) Eugene Aug 2021 OP
I was gonna state that's a bad idea, however... cadoman Aug 2021 #1
A doctor can prescribe booster as "off label" use LetMyPeopleVote Aug 2021 #2
I think I might try. See what happens. bamagal62 Aug 2021 #3
I'd be careful flamingdem Aug 2021 #4
American arrogance, privilege and selfishness on display luv2fly Aug 2021 #5
How is getting a third shot being selfish? NH Ethylene Aug 2021 #6
All the people who want, and haven't even gotten their first luv2fly Aug 2021 #7
I agree that we should be helping the world before we all get third shots. NH Ethylene Aug 2021 #8
Absolutely agree luv2fly Aug 2021 #9

cadoman

(792 posts)
1. I was gonna state that's a bad idea, however...
Sun Aug 8, 2021, 12:52 AM
Aug 2021

...Pfizer does say "Pfizer and BioNTech believe a third dose of BNT162b2 has the potential to preserve the highest
levels of protective efficacy against all currently known variants including Delta"

https://cdn.pfizer.com/pfizercom/2021-07/Delta_Variant_Study_Press_Statement_Final_7.8.21.pdf?IPpR1xZjlwvaUMQ9sRn2FkePcBiRPGqw

So really it looks like the science of additional BNT162b2 shots is quite well-founded. Great research Gina.

LetMyPeopleVote

(144,919 posts)
2. A doctor can prescribe booster as "off label" use
Sun Aug 8, 2021, 02:17 AM
Aug 2021

I have a friend whose doctor is considering off label booster. My friend is in O2 and has severe risk factors

NH Ethylene

(30,803 posts)
6. How is getting a third shot being selfish?
Mon Aug 9, 2021, 09:27 AM
Aug 2021

Theoretically, the vaccines should go to the third world. Realistically they are not going anywhere. The US is donating some, but clearly will make sure there are enough for boosters in this country. So who does it hurt to get the third shot?

luv2fly

(2,475 posts)
7. All the people who want, and haven't even gotten their first
Mon Aug 9, 2021, 10:43 AM
Aug 2021

We are one world, people move about, and it's important that everyone is vaccinated. I don't profess to have all the answers, I only know that until it's recommended we get a booster, it feels extremely selfish for people to not only lie about their first or second shots so that they get a third, but that the country as a whole is having any discussion about boosters when so many countries have none.

NH Ethylene

(30,803 posts)
8. I agree that we should be helping the world before we all get third shots.
Mon Aug 9, 2021, 02:39 PM
Aug 2021

That is the WHO's stance on the matter.

I am certainly not out looking for a booster at this time. But I have no problem with immunocompromised people who are anxious to get the third - or people who got the J & J, which is less effective.

luv2fly

(2,475 posts)
9. Absolutely agree
Mon Aug 9, 2021, 07:49 PM
Aug 2021

Absolutely agree that immunocompromised folks have to be able to do whatever it takes to stay safe, but as a J&J recipient myself I can't say that I feel a need for a booster of any sort... not at this point at least.

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