Immunocompromised patients should receive a three-shot COVID-19 primary vaccine series, says the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.). Those eligible for the three-dose series are at least five years old and have a “moderate to severely weakened immune system.” Such conditions exist if the patient has…
Undergone treatments, such as chemotherapy, for tumors or cancers of the blood;
Received an organ or stem cell transplant;
Immunodeficiency conditions, such as H.I.V., A.I.D.S., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome; or
Treatments with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress an immune response.
The third dose should be administered at least 28 days after the second shot. Anyone at least 12-year-olds is advised to schedule a single-dose booster shot at least 28 days after completing their primary series. C.D.C. has upheld its preference for the mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna because of their higher efficacy rates. The Illinois Public Health Association encourages anyone needing a vaccine or booster to contact their local public health department or visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby appointment.
Morreale Communications