The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, available data shows these people don’t always build adequate levels of protection after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. The data also shows they may benefit from receiving an additional dose.
People impacted include those:
- Receiving active cancer treatment
- With a history of solid organ transplant or bone marrow transplant
- With a primary immunodeficiency including HIV
- Receiving active treatment with high dose oral steroids
- Receiving immunosuppressive treatment for autoimmune disease
- With a history of spleen removal
The third dose can be administered at least 28 days after the completion of the initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. For people who received either Pfizer or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine series, a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine should be used. A person should not receive more than three mRNA vaccine doses. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are not to receive a second or third dose. The CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other populations at this time.
Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH) will host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in the DCPH offices located within Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake. The clinics will offer both Moderna and Pfizer and be held on:
- Wednesday, August 25 from 1-4 pm.
- Thursday, August 26 from 9 am until 12 pm
Appointments are necessary for the clinics and can be made online at www.lakeshealth.org/events and clicking on the appropriate event date’s link. On the day of the appointment, patients should enter through Door A and bring both their existing CDC vaccination card and insurance cards to their appointments.
Area pharmacies are also providing the COVID-19 vaccine, including the third dose for immunocompromised individuals. Hy-Vee Pharmacy locations in both Milford and Spirit Lake are offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome, and individuals can also schedule an appointment online at www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine. Walmart is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and walk-ins are welcome.
Those interested in more information are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider or call Dickinson County Public Health at 712-339-6050.
