NOTE: The following news release was originally published by Boulder County Public Health.

Boulder County, CO — Immunocompromised individuals in Boulder County can get their third vaccine dose in all clinics offering Pfizer and/or Moderna in the county. People who have a moderately to severely compromised immune system may benefit from an additional dose of vaccine to ensure they are protected against COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 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.

It is not recommended that people receive more than three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses.

On Aug. 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the Emergency Use Authorizations for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow an additional dose after the first two doses in certain immunocompromised people. The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the first two doses. At this time an additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine has not been authorized for immunocompromised people.

“The additional dose of the vaccine for immunocompromised people will help increase their protection and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death,” said Indira Gujral, Boulder County Public Health Manager of Communicable Disease & Emergency Management. “This is a great step toward protecting vulnerable people in our community. If you are immunocompromised, go get your third dose today!”

People who are recommended to receive an additional dose include those 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 or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.

Additional doses are free, and no ID, insurance or proof of medical history is required to receive one. Individuals may self-report their immunocompromising conditions to vaccine providers.

Boosters for the general population have not been approved by the CDC or FDA.

The CDC has stated booster shots might begin the week of Sept. 20 for all Americans who have had a second dose at least eight months prior. CDC also anticipates booster shots for the J&J (Janssen) vaccine will become available.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine provider in Boulder County.

For information about additional doses for immunocompromised individuals, call the Boulder County Call Center at 720-776-0822 from 9 am to 2 pm, Monday-Friday.