Third Doses of Pfizer and Moderna Recommended for a Small Group of Immunocompromised Individuals
The CDC released recommendations on Friday that a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is being recommended for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. In accordance with this recommendation, UCHD can provide a third dose of Pfizer vaccine to individuals who fall into this group. At this time, a third dose is not recommended for any other groups. Here’s what to know about this new recommendation:
- Most people only need two doses of pfizer or moderna vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine at this time.
- Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to get a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. This includes 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 2 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
- People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them
- Patients should try to get the same type of vaccine for the third dose as they received for the first two doses (example: if I received pfizer for the first and second dose, I should get pfizer for the third dose).
- A third should be administered at least 28 days after the second dose.
- Immunocompromised individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are not recommended to receive an additional dose of J&J vaccine or a dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at this time.
If you fit within this moderately to severely immunocompromised group and/or have been advised by your healthcare provider that you should receive a third dose, you can make an appointment at one of UCHD’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. You do not need to bring proof of your medical condition, but will be asked to attest that you fit within the CDC’s recommended group to receive a third dose. We encourage individuals who think they may fit in this group to talk to their healthcare provider to determine if a third dose is appropriate. To make an appointment, go to www.uchdclinic.org or call (937) 642-2053.
To learn more, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/