Federal regulators this week identified new underlying conditions associated with higher risk of severe symptoms from Covid-19: Mood disorders, including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

The recognition of certain mental illnesses as high risk factors for Covid by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention means that adults with any of these conditions are now eligible for a third Pfizer vaccine booster shot once six months has passed from the date they received their second jab.

The change comes on the heels of research that found schizophrenia is second only to age when it comes to the greatest risk factors associated with Covid mortality.

Studies also show that mood disorders are linked to higher risk of Covid hospitalization and death.

Mood disorders and schizophrenia join a growing list of previously identified high risk factors for Covid, including cancer, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver.