3rd Coronavirus Vaccine Doses Now Offered In Boulder County

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — People who are immunocompromised can get their third vaccine doses in all clinics that offer Pfizer and Moderna in Boulder County, public health officials announced Monday.

"People who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system may benefit from an additional dose of vaccine to ensure they are protected against COVID-19," Boulder County Public Health said in a news release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after their second dose.

The committee does not recommend that people receive more than three doses.

The Food and Drug Administration amended the Emergency Use Authorizations Aug. 12 for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to allow an additional dose after the first two doses in certain immunocompromised people. The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the first two doses, public health officials said.

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An additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has not been authorized for immunocompromised people.

People who are recommended to receive an additional dose 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.
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last two 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.

Additional doses are free, and no ID, insurance or proof of medical history is required to receive one. Individuals may self-report their immunocompromising conditions to vaccine providers, Boulder County Public Health said.

“The additional dose of the vaccine for immunocompromised people will help increase their protection and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Indira Gujral, Boulder County Public Health manager of communicable disease and emergency management.

“This is a great step toward protecting vulnerable people in our community. If you are immunocompromised, go get your third dose today!”

Boosters for the general population have not been approved by the CDC or FDA. Booster shots might begin the week of Sept. 20 for all Americans who have had a second dose at least eight months prior, the CDC said.

For information about additional doses for those who are immunocompromised, call the Boulder County Call Center at 720-776-0822. The call center is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

>> You can find a vaccine provider in Boulder County here.