News Flash

For Immediate Release

08/26/2021    

COVID-19 Information

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVID-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Vaccine Information

Website: www.rowancountync.gov/COVIDvaccine
Follow Us: www.facebook.com/rowancountyhealth 

Rowan County COVID-19 Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

Do Individuals with a Moderate to Severe Immunocompromised Immune System Need an Additional mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine? 

Research is showing that people who have a moderate to severe immunocompromised immune system are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of a more serious, prolonged illness. The reason for this is because these individuals may not be able to build the same level of immunity with a 2-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised. We now know that individuals who have compromised immune systems may benefit from an additional dose of vaccine to make sure they have enough protection against COVID-19.

CDC currently recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine no earlier than 4 weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna.  It is important to note that this additional dose is intended to improve one’s immunocompromised response and is not the same as a booster dose, which is being researched for individuals whose primary vaccine series was given at least 8 months ago and is likely to have waned over time. 

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised make up about 3% of the adult population and account for a large proportion of hospitalized “breakthrough cases.” In addition to this, research has found that immunocompromised people are also more likely to transmit this virus to others who they may come in contact with.

Currently, CDC highly suggest that individuals with the following health issues or treatments contact their healthcare providers to discuss their medical condition and whether an additional dose is needed:

• 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

At this time, the following locations in Rowan County are offering an additional dose of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine based on the medical conditions listed above:

1. Novant Health YMCA clinic
2. The Medicine Shoppe
3. Moose Pharmacy
4. CVS and Walgreens
5. Rowan County Public Health (Call 704-216-8777 and choose option 3 for an appointment)
   
   

Please note that the CDC does not currently recommend anyone who has gotten the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to receive a second dose at this time. In addition to this, it is also important that one’s third dose of mRNA vaccine be the same vaccine as the two that they previously received. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, then the medical professional administering the vaccine can give either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product under this circumstance.

In closing, please realize that this is not the "booster" dose that is currently being discussed for the general population. If you have questions about whether or not you qualify, please reach out to your primary care doctor or specialist. An individual will not be able to receive the vaccine if he or she does not qualify per the guidance listed above. 

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PIO Contact:
Amy Smith
704-216-8859
amy.smith@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - August 26, 2021 (PDF)