3rd Dose Of COVID Vaccine Now Offered For Immunocompromised

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NC — After federal recommendation that immunocompromised people receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Mecklenburg County Health Department is now offering the booster to eligible people, according to the county's top health official.

"The third dose will be provided to those who have moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions and have previously received two doses of an mRNA vaccine," Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Gibbie Harris said Monday during a news conference.

No documentation is required to receive the third dose, she said. The third doses are being administered by the county's health department, as well as some area pharmacies. Currently, there is no additional dose authorized for those who received the Johnson & Johnson, one-shot vaccine, she added.

"We are asking people to please self-select," Harris said. "If you fall into any of the categories agreed upon by the CDC and experts at the national level, seek a third dose. If you do not fall into those categories, we ask that you allow us to continue to get our community vaccinated at least with first and second doses."

The news of boosters for the immunocompromised comes as about 50 percent of Mecklenburg County remains unvaccinated.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control recommend a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for people with significantly compromised immune systems due to evidence showing a weak immune response to the standard dosage.

The FDA or CDC have not yet recommended a third vaccine dose for the general public. Another dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not recommended yet. Studies are underway to determine the protection of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to people with weakened immune systems.

The booster is recommended for people with moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medications or treatments. People who are immunocompromised are encouraged to talk with their medical provider.

Examples of eligible people can include:

• Active treatment for a solid tumor and cancers of the blood
• Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking medications to suppress the immune system
• Receipt of stem cell transplant within the last two years or taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), or other drugs that may suppress the immune system.

Studies indicate that a third dose could boost immunity, but health officials caution that the level of protection may still not be strong for immunocompromised people even after a booster. Precautions such as mask wearing, maintaining six feet of distancing from others outside the household, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces are still recommended.

Patch Staff Emily Leayman contributed

SEE ALSO:

• Mecklenburg Commissioners To Vote On Countywide Mask Mandate
• ICU Beds Filling Up In Charlotte Metro, Around North Carolina
• Nearly 4,000 New COVID Cases In Mecklenburg This Week: CDC