Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine now available to certain immunocompromised individuals

CoxHealth will hold a clinic on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Springfield for immunocompromised individuals who qualify for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Registration is required and may be done by calling 417-269-4636 or online. Those who are unable to make this clinic may also call 417-269-4636 to schedule a dose, which will be given at locations throughout the region. Documentation from a provider is not required, but participants must sign an attestation form at the clinic confirming that they are included in one of the categories. Third doses must be given more than 28 days from the second dose.

Last week, the FDA announced approval of third doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for certain moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals. A third dose helps the immune system create a more robust response, offering greater protection against the virus.

It is only available to individuals in very specific categories, which currently include:

• Receiving active cancer treatment for solid 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 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (greater than 20mg of prednisone per day) or other drugs that may suppress the immune response.

Individuals may ask their provider for guidance on a third dose if they are taking any medications that belong in groups including: alkylating agents, antimetabolites, TNF blockers, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

The update is only applicable to those who took Pfizer or Moderna for the first two doses. Saturday’s clinic is not intended for the general public as third doses for the general population are still being discussed. Third doses are not currently approved for individuals with other health concerns outside of these categories.