Third Vaccine Doses Offered To Immunocompromised In Fairfax

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — After federal recommendation that immunocompromised people receive a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Fairfax County Health Department is offering the booster to eligible people.

The Virginia Department of Health announced the new guidance across the state last Friday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control recommended 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 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.

The Fairfax County Health Department worked to update its administrative processes so eligible people could begin receiving the third dose at clinics on Saturday, Aug. 14. Proof of medical condition will not be required to receive a third dose of vaccine at one of the Fairfax County Health Department vaccination sites.

The health department recommends the third dose be the same mRNA vaccine as the previous two doses and at least 28 days after the second dose. The health department's clinics currently offer the Pfizer vaccine. To find providers with the Moderna vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov.

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.

The Fairfax County Health Department covers the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, towns of Vienna, Herndon and Clifton, and cities of Falls Church and Fairfax.