WASHINGTON: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorise a third booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc for people with weakened immune systems, NBC News reported on Wednesday.

       The health agency will amend the emergency use authorisations for the two vaccines as soon as Thursday to allow immuno-compromised people to get an additional dose, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

       The agency is closely monitoring data as it becomes available from studies administering an additional dose of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines to immuno-compromised individuals, FDA spokesperson Abby Capobianco said in a statement.

       "The FDA, along with the CDC, is evaluating potential options on this issue, and will share information in the near future," Capobianco said.

       A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel will meet on Friday to review data on booster doses in immune compromised individuals.

       While there is no vote listed on the draft agenda for the meeting, the Federal Register entry said a recommendation vote is scheduled.- Reuters