Question:
What is the current thought about people with DS and the need to get the third vaccine shot? In thinking of co-morbidities how high do GERD and sleep apnea rank?
Answer:
The answer to this question has changed and may change again as new study data is reviewed, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make amendments to their recommendations. For up-to-date information, the CDC website is a good reference.
First, a word about terminology. The terms “booster shot” and “third dose” are often used interchangeably. They are technically different. In August, the CDC made recommendations about third doses. In September, the CDC made recommendations about booster shots.
The “third shot” is for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised who are getting an additional third dose sooner than 6 months after the second dose. That includes the people who have conditions in this full list. Down syndrome is not on this list but some people with DS may have some of the conditions listed such as being actively treated for cancer or taking medications that suppress the immune system. See the full list for more details.
The “booster” is that given to others not on the list above and is given at least 6 months after the second. Down syndrome is included as a condition for the booster. The CDC has recommendations for who “should” get the booster at this time and who “can” get the booster. That list is available at this link. A summary of those recommendations is available at this link. The article includes information about how we are recommending the boosters at our Center in Illinois.
At this time, both Pfizer and Moderna are recommended for the third shot. The same vaccine should be used as the one given for the first 2 shots.
At this time, only Pfizer is recommended as a booster. It is only being given to people who had Pfizer as their first 2 doses. The booster is the same dose as the first two shots.
More information about boosters is anticipated soon for those that had Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.
In a large international study on DS and COVID-19, neither sleep apnea nor gastroesophageal reflux disease were associated with increased hospitalization or death. The study can be found at this link.