On Thursday, Aug. 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that immune-compromised recipients of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines could receive a third vaccine dose.
The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department and other COVID-19 vaccine providers in the city will begin offering third doses to these individuals.
“It’s important for folks who are immune-compromised to consider a third vaccine dose,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “Long Beach will continue to offer vaccines to those who need them.”
The third vaccine is not a Delta booster shot, rather it is meant to provide an extra layer of protection for immune-compromised individuals with specific underlying conditions.
In a statement, the Health and Human Services Department cited studies that show that some immune-compromised individuals don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination as other individuals.
Those eligible for a third 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 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 or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
In small studies, fully vaccinated immunocompromised people have accounted for a large proportion of hospitalized “breakthrough cases.” Individuals with breakthrough cases are more likely to transmit the virus to others.
Third doses can be administered at least 28 days after receiving the second dose of the two-dose series of Pfizer (for those 12 and older) or Moderna (for those 18 and older). To receive the third dose, the person must self-attest to currently having one of the above-listed conditions. The third dose should be the same vaccine brand that was received for the first two doses.
There is not enough data to determine whether another dose of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is necessary. The FDA’s announcement and Center for Disease Control and Prevention did not include the J&J vaccine in their recommendations.
Thus, the Long Beach Health Department will not administer additional doses to individuals who received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine.
Requests for a third dose do not require documentation from a healthcare provider. Individuals with the above-mentioned conditions should contact their healthcare provider or visit one of the City-run vaccination sites to receive their third dose.
More information about Long Beach vaccination sites can be found at longbeach.gov/vaxlb or by calling 562-570-4636.
