This official CDC recommendation — which follows FDA’s decision to amend the emergency use authorizations of the vaccines — is an important step in ensuring everyone, including those most vulnerable to COVID-19, can get as much protection as possible from COVID-19 vaccination.
A third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is strongly recommended for people who are moderately and severely immunocompromised due to a health condition or medical treatment. If you believe you meet this qualification for a third dose, you can contact your provider or come to Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health during our weekday clinic hours.
Upon guidance from the CDC and KDHE 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 or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
- Or, a clinical assessment from your physician.
CDC and ACIP emphasized that this applies only to those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and does not apply to pregnant individuals, all residents of LTCs, or those with chronic medical conditions unless, of course, they are also deemed to be moderately or severely immunocompromised.
General Public - Third Pfizer/Moderna Doses - Expected to Begin Week of Sept. 20
U.S. health officials announced on Wednesday, Aug. 18, that booster shots will be offered beginning the week of Sept. 20, subject to authorization from the FDA and CDC.
Initial statements indicate that the booster is recommended for all Americans who have been vaccinated. Persons can receive a booster shot, which may be needed for maximum effectiveness, at least eight months after their second dose. Initial booster doses will be for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. (Currently, there is not enough data to determine if an additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will improve immune response. However they have stated in the coming weeks, they expect more information to come from J&J data.)
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health is currently planning with community partners on how to offer distribution of the third dose and will release more information closer to the third doses beginning later in September.