If your immune system is compromised, you should plan to get a third dose of the Pfizer (ages 12 and up) or Moderna (ages 18 and up) COVID-19 vaccine, and stay updated on your COVID-19 boosters.
This third dose is critically important to helping at-risk patients build protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
Why a third dose?
According to the CDC, a third dose may prevent serious and possibly life-threatening COVID-19 illness in immunocompromised people.
Studies are showing that individuals with weaker immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. This group may have a hard time building immunity from a two-dose vaccine series, especially as compared with people who aren’t immunocompromised.
Adding a third dose should help boost the antibody response from their initial vaccine series.
Who qualifies as immunocompromised?
About 3 percent of the adult population is considered moderately to severely immunocompromised (Source: CDC). This term may include individuals who are:
- Undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers
- Organ transplant recipients taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Stem cell transplant recipients within the last two years or who are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- In a state of moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as with DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- HIV-positive (advanced or untreated)
- Under active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress immune response
This is not a complete list. If you think your medical history qualifies you as immunocompromised, please ask your family doctor or primary care provider to confirm.
Can I request a different vaccine for my third dose or booster?
You should plan to receive a third dose of the same COVID-19 mRNA vaccine as your original two-dose series (either Pfizer or Moderna). If your original vaccine is unavailable or unknown, you can receive either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Note: if possible, please bring your vaccination card with you to your third-dose appointment.
What about boosters?
A booster dose is recommended for eligible COVID-19 vaccine recipients, including those who are immunocompromised. Click on the button below to learn when you should get a COVID-19 booster based on your age and original vaccine series.
If I qualify, where can I get my third dose?
Munson Healthcare primary care practices are scheduling third dose COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments for immunocompromised individuals.
If you're eligible for a third dose or a booster, please reach out to your primary care provider to request an appointment. If you’re unsure, or without a family doctor, call our Ask-A-Nurse line at 231-935-0951.
Other locations administering third-dose vaccines and boosters may include nearby pharmacies and your local health department. Find vaccine providers near you at vaccinefinder.org.