COVID-19 Vaccine Third Doses (Boosters) for Immunocompromised Individuals
NOTE: JCPH is only offering third doses to immunocompromised individuals and not to the general public at this time. On August 18, 2021, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released this statement on the Administration’s plan for COVID-19 booster shots. According to the statement, it’s anticipated that pending FDA approval and official guidance from CDC and ACIP, third doses will be available for all Americans as soon as the week of September 20. JCPH will share more information with residents when available.
On August 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended Emergency Use Authorizations for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of an additional dose after the first two doses in certain immunocompromised people. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks (28 days) after their second dose. People who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system may benefit from an additional dose of vaccine to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19. Studies show that some people who are immunocompromised don’t build adequate levels of protection after receiving two doses of mRNA vaccines. (There is currently no recommendation for an additional dose for the J&J vaccine).
People who are recommended to receive an additional dose include people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
Important information:
- The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the first two doses.
- The addition dose should be at least four weeks (28 days) after the second dose.
- People should not receive more than three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses.
- People who need an additional dose can access it immediately at vaccine providers.
- Additional doses are free. No ID, insurance or proof of medical history is required to receive an additional dose.
- Coloradans may self-report their immunocompromising conditions to vaccine providers.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.