CDC Updates Interim Clinical Considerations for Booster Doses for Immunocompromised Individuals

The CDC has updated its recommendations for vaccine doses for people with moderate or severe immunocompromised conditions.  Review the chart below or click here for more detailed information.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL PRIMARY SERIES VACCINATION (3RD DOSE)?

Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and up receive an additional dose. 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

If your condition or medication isn’t on this list and you think you have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate.

3-Dose Primary Series Plus Booster for Immunocompromised

A Third dose is NOT a booster dose!

CDC’s COVID-19, vaccination guidance includes a 4-dose mRNA vaccination series for individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. CDC recommends that some moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals should get an additional primary dose 28 days following the 2nd dose; this would be considered the 3rd dose. Additionally, a booster dose (4th dose) should be received at least 3 months after completion of the primary, 3-dose, mRNA vaccine series. Booster doses are only for ages 12+. This revision is based on studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the body’s ability to provoke an adequate immune response.

If you received Johnson and Johnson as your first dose, please contact our call center to schedule any future vaccinations as new criteria for additional doses exists.

More information on 3rd and booster doses for immunocompromised can be found here.

WHEN ARE YOU ELIGIBLE

Individuals with immunocompromised conditions can use the CDC reference below to determine the timeframe for COVID-19 vaccinations.  3-dose mRNA primary series.  In general, the same mRNA vaccine product (i.e., the same manufacturer) should be used for all doses in the primary series.

BOOSTER DOSES FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS

Everyone 12 years and older, including immunocompromised people, should get a booster shot. Individuals with immunocompromised conditions should complete their 3-dose mRNA primary series before receiving their booster dose. Booster doses are recommended at least 3 months following completion of your primary series vaccination.

Click here for the COVID-19 vaccination timeline for immunocompromised individuals.

Returning for your 2nd or booster dose?

You MUST bring your COVID-19 vaccination record card to your vaccination appointment. If you lost your vaccination record, you MUST request a new card prior to arriving for a vaccination appointment.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS

While vaccination is likely to increase protection in this population, individuals who are immunocompromised should always consult with their healthcare provider for guidance.   Even after vaccination, immunocompromised individuals should continue following the current prevention measures including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they do not live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces to protect themselves and those around them against COVID-19.