On August 16, 2021 the CDC authorized an additional dose of Pfizer/Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals only. Currently additional doses are NOT approved for the general population, despite the Biden Administration’s anticipated request for FDA and CDC approval for general population boosters. This approval is expected sometime in mid-September.
Complete CDC vaccine guidance can be found here. Below are key points and takeaways.
Key Points:
- Additional dose authorized is for Pfizer/Moderna only, 28 days after the 2nd dose.
- Recipients of J&J can not receive an additional dose or get Pfizer/Moderna at this time.
- Proof of immunocompromised status will not be required.
- Individuals are still considered fully vaccinated after 2 doses.
An additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after an initial 2-dose series should be considered for people with moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or receipt of immunosuppressive medications or treatments including:
- 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 you are not classified in one of the groups above then you are not eligible at this time.**
If you are unsure if you fall into one of the groups above please contact your doctor. Getting a third dose should be part of your care and treatment plan discussed with medical professionals.
If you are eligible and your doctor recommends an additional dose, see scheduling information below.
- Pharmacies
- Clarks Pharmacy Schedule Here
- City Market Pharmacy Schedule Here
- Pitkin County Public Health and Community Health Services – Starting the week of 8/23
- Pitkin County Public Health Schedule Here
Community Health Services Schedule Here
