On August 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration amended Emergency Use Authorizations for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of an additional dose after the first two doses in certain immunocompromised people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends people whose immune systems are moderately to severely compromised receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks (28 days) after their second dose. People who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system may benefit from an additional dose of vaccine to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19. Studies show that some people who are immunocompromised don’t build adequate levels of protection after receiving two doses of mRNA vaccines.

People who are recommended to receive an additional dose include people who have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for 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 two 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 or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.

Additional details regarding this latest announcement include:

  • The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the first two doses. However, an alternate mRNA dose can be used if that vaccine is not available.
  • People should not receive more than three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses.
  • Authorizing an additional dose of the vaccine for immunocompromised Coloradans will help increase their protection and prevent more severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
  • Coloradans who need an additional dose should be able to access them immediately at enrolled state and federal vaccine providers.
  • Additional doses are free. No ID, insurance, or proof of medical history is required to receive an additional dose. Coloradans may self-report their immunocompromising conditions to vaccine providers.
  • People receiving additional doses are eligible for gift cards from the Comeback Cash Gift Card Giveaway program.

Patients can find vaccine providers at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccinefinder.

Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH), along with several other local vaccine providers, has ample vaccine inventory to meet the needs of those who fall within the criteria for a 3rd dose. At this time, CCPH is depending on personal responsibility and accountability for those seeking out a 3rd dose and asks that people who do not fall within the approved categories be patient for the time if or when a 3rd dose is recommended for additional groups. Over the next few days, CCPH will be meeting with its peers and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to explore strategies for equitable distribution of the 3rd dose. CCPH also encourages everyone in Chaffee County to help promote a culture of masking and testing when appropriate.