Third Vaccine Doses Offered To Immunocompromised In Anne Arundel

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The Anne Arundel County Department of Health announced Tuesday it will offer third doses of the coronavirus vaccine to residents who are immunocompromised.

This follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending an extra shot for those with weakened immune systems. These boosters should come at least four weeks after the second injection, the CDC clarified.

The advice only applies to patients who are immunocompromised and got the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna immunizations. There are not yet enough data to support an additional Johnson & Johnson inoculation, the CDC explained.

Health officials noted that locals 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
• 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

Residents can book a third dose appointment by visiting aacounty.org/covidvax/third-dose/index.html or calling 410-222-7256. Doctors' offices, pharmacies and retailers may also have clinics.

"PLEASE TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER about your condition and whether a third dose is appropriate for you," heath department spokesperson Elin Jones said in a press release. "A doctor's note or other proof of eligibility will not be required. You will be asked to self-attest that you meet CDC eligibility recommendations."

All other Pfizer and Moderna vaccinees should get a booster shot eight months after their second injection, the CDC added Wednesday. This policy starts in the week of Sept. 20. Similar guidelines for Johnson & Johnson immunizations could soon follow.

"Our top priority remains staying ahead of the virus and protecting the American people from COVID-19," the CDC commented in a separate release. "We will continue to follow the science on a daily basis, and we are prepared to modify this plan should new data emerge that requires it."

Click here to read the CDC's recommendations for locals who are immunocompromised. Head to this link to view its general advice on third doses.

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