Alexandria Offers Booster Vaccine Dose To Immunocompromised

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

The Virginia Department of Health announced the new third dose 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 eligible individuals represent about 3 percent across the United States.

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 as studies are underway to determine the protection for people with weakened immune systems.

The Alexandria Health Department now offers third doses to moderately or severely immunocompromised residents at its Moderna and Pfizer clinics. The health department urges individuals to get the same mRNAas their first two doses (Pfizer or Moderna). The third dose is recommended at least 28 days after the second dose. Those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should not get another dose at this time.

The booster is recommended for people with moderate to severe immune compromise due to a medical condition or immunosuppressive medications or treatments. This includes people who started active cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers, 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, have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome), have advanced or untreated HIV infection, or have active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response. People who are immunocompromised are encouraged to talk with their medical provider.

For more information about Alexandria Health Department vaccine clinics, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Vaccines. For other vaccine options, visit www.vaccines.gov and search for your ZIP code.