The death of Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, from COVID-19 is shining a light on the importance of an additional dose of vaccine for some recipients.
Monday, Powell's family revealed on social media that the 84-year-old had lost his battle with coronavirus complications, even after being fully vaccinated. However, Powell had a blood cancer called multiple myeloma, a disease that doctors warn could make a person at greater risk for infection due to its impact on the body's immune system.
Dr. Charles Bregier, Medical Director of Novant Health Employee Occupational Health and Corporate Health, said multiple myeloma can reduce the body's response to the COVID-19 vaccines.
"It affects one's blood cells," Bregier said. "It affects white blood cells, both the T cells and B cells, which affects the immunity we get from vaccines, as well as natural immunity."
Powell's family stated that he had been fully vaccinated, and a longtime assistant told the Washington Post, he received his second Pfizer dose in February. He had been scheduled to receive a booster shot last week and missed the appointment when he fell ill.
Bregier says, with a weakened immune system, Powell might have benefitted from getting a third dose.
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