CDC not calling for boosters for other individuals at this time
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) pointed out in an Aug. 19 update.
Those booster shots should be delivered at least 28 days after completion of the initial COVID-19 vaccine series, DOH-Sarasota Public Information Officer G. Steve Huard reported in an advisory to the news media.
The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is available at the DOH-Sarasota facilities in downtown Sarasota and in North Port from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, in accord with the CDC guidance, Huard added. “No appointment is needed.”
The locations of those offices are 2200 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota and 6950 Outreach Way in North Port.
Eligible immunocompromised patients are those who meet the following criteria, he explained:
- They have been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- They have received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- They have received a stem cell transplant within the past two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- They have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- They have an advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- They are undergoing treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress the body’s immune response.
Those who are immunocompromised “are strongly encouraged to consult their physicians prior to receiving the additional dose,” Huard pointed out.
“Boosters are not recommended” at this time for people who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, Huard emphasized. “Although health officials expect that recipients of the one-dose J&J vaccine will also require an additional dose, they are waiting for the results of J&J’s two-dose clinical trial, expected later this month,” he noted.
For more information about additional doses please see this link.
Again, Huard stressed, “The third shot can be administered 28 days after an individual has received both doses” of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.
“While your vaccination card is not required, DOH-Sarasota must be able to validate the first two doses you previously received,” Huard pointed out.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend additional doses for any other individuals at this time,” he noted.