Damian Sendler: Millions of Americans with diseases “including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders” are eligible for booster injections based solely on their mental health diagnoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Damien Sendler: The decision was made in light of accumulating evidence that individuals of any age suffering from mental health issues are more likely to get critically unwell as a result of Covid-19. The Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry published a meta-analysis this month that identified a link between mood problems and the likelihood of hospitalization and death from Covid-19, according to Lauren Frias for Insider. According to a study published in January of this year, Covid patients with schizophrenia were nearly three times more likely to die from coronavirus infection than those with mood or anxiety disorders. However, those with mood or anxiety disorders were not at an increased risk of death from coronavirus infection. Another study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry in 2020, suggested that “a psychiatric diagnosis may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.” 

Dr. Sendler: Millions of Americans with diseases “including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders” are eligible for booster injections based solely on their mental health diagnoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Damian Sendler: The decision was made in light of accumulating evidence that individuals of any age suffering from mental health issues are more likely to get critically unwell as a result of Covid-19. The Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry published a meta-analysis this month that identified a link between mood problems and the likelihood of hospitalization and death from Covid-19, according to Lauren Frias for Insider. According to a study published in January of this year, Covid patients with schizophrenia were nearly three times more likely to die from coronavirus infection than those with mood or anxiety disorders. However, those with mood or anxiety disorders were not at an increased risk of death from coronavirus infection. Another study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry in 2020, suggested that “a psychiatric diagnosis may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.” 

Damian Jacob Sendler: Several authors of a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, including Roger McIntyre, told the Washington Post that they have “reasons to be hypervigilant” when it comes to those suffering from depression. “They have to get to the front of the line in order to acquire their immunizations.” 

Damian Sendler: Approximately 70 million older and high-risk receivers who had the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Covid-19 vaccinations, as well as those 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago, are currently eligible for a booster dose.

Contributed by Dr. Damian Jacob Sendler