• By Todd Luck
• Posted Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Third dose of COVID vaccine available for immune compromised individuals

The CDC now recommends that people with moderately or severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose if they’ve received two doses of either Moderna or Pfizer. Individuals should consult with their physician on if they need a third dose and are encouraged to make an appointment with their specialist or at their primary care clinic.

The third dose should be of the same vaccine as the first two doses. This guidance only applies to Moderna or Pfizer, and does not apply to the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Pfizer is for ages 12 and up and Moderna is for those 18 and up. Those who are not immune compromised will not be given a third dose.

According to the CDC, individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised include those 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
• Chronic renal disease and asplenia
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Have advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Have active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Wake Forest Baptist Health offers COVID-19 vaccinations daily at locations in Forsyth County and across the region. Scheduling for first and second dose vaccinations is available at www.wakehealth.edu/vaccine, via myWakeHealth and by calling 336-70-COVID. Immunocompromised patients seeking a third dose to complete their vaccination series should contact their specialist or primary care office to ensure a third dose is appropriate for their specific situation.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health, 799 N. Highland Ave., offers COVID vaccinations from Mon-Tues. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and 9 a.m.-12 noon on the second Saturday of the month. Cash cards are for first doses only and do not apply to third doses.