City Of Fairfax: COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose FAQs

Press release from the City of Fairfax :

08/19/2021

As of Aug. 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) now recommend a third dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) for people who have moderately or severely compromised immune systems.  Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this recommendation:

No, not at this time. While federal officials have announced plans for COVID-19 booster shots for the American people, implementation is not expected to begin until the week of Sept. 20, subject to FDA approval and recommendation of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. For more information on boosters, see the statement from Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized and CDC adopted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advice to recommend a third (additional) dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for people with moderately or severely weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).

People who are immunocompromised can speak to their healthcare provider to help determine if they would benefit from an additional dose.

People with weakened immune systems, even those who receive an additional dose of an mRNA vaccine, might not have strong protection against COVID-19 after vaccination and should continue to take additional precautions to prevent COVID-19, such as wearing a mask, watching their distance from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

“Moderately to severely immunocompromised people” includes people with a range of conditions, such as recipients of organ or stem cell transplants, people with advanced or untreated HIV infection, active recipients of treatment for cancer, people who are taking some medications that weaken the immune system, and others. A full list of conditions and factors to consider for making this determination can be found in CDC’s clinical considerations guidance.

If an individual has questions about a third dose, they should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. Additional information is also available from the CDC.

Vaccines are readily available throughout Virginia. Individuals who are recommended to receive a third dose can make an appointment or find a walk-in location. Visit vaccines.gov or the Fairfax County Health Department vaccine website to find a location.

The Fairfax County Health Department began administering third doses to people who are immunocompromised on August 14.

No. At this time, the Fairfax County Health Department can only provide Pfizer vaccinations. It is recommended that individuals who received the Moderna vaccine from their medical provider or elsewhere, should reach out to their medical provider or visit vaccines.gov to obtain a Moderna third dose. Currently, there is no CDC recommendation to provide additional Johnson & Johnson vaccinations.

No. There is no need for individuals to provide medical documentation or proof. However, clinic staff may ask individuals if they have a moderate or severe immunocompromising condition.

A “third dose” refers to administration of an additional vaccine dose when the initial immune response following a primary vaccine series may be insufficient. Studies indicate that some immunocompromised people do not always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do and may benefit from an additional dose to ensure adequate protection against COVID-19.

A “booster dose” refers to a dose of vaccine administered when the initial sufficient immune response to a primary vaccine series is likely to have waned over time.

There is some confusion between COVID-19 booster shots and third doses. Effective Aug. 13, people with weakened immune systems are able to get a third dose now because studies have shown the two-dose mRNA vaccine series may not be fully effective in preventing COVID-19 illness due to the status of their immune system. Only people with compromised immune systems (undergoing active cancer treatments; organ transplant recipient taking medications to suppress the immune system; having moderate or severe primary immune deficiency; advanced or untreated HIV infection; or active treatment with high dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system) are currently eligible for a third dose.  The Health Department, along with pharmacies and community physicians, are actively providing these third doses to this select population.

Boosters are given to “bolster” your body’s immune response because vaccine efficacy may wane over time (e.g., tetanus shot). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are currently considering recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine boosters. Those recommendations are expected to occur in coming weeks. Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced on Aug. 18 that following recommendations from FDA and ACIP, boosters will become available the week of Sept. 20 for those individuals who were fully vaccinated eight months ago, including health care workers, nursing home residents and other seniors. The Health Department will administer boosters to this population beginning Sept. 20 in coordination with the federal recommendations.

No. the health department no longer maintains a registration list.

Early in the vaccine roll-out, supply was extremely limited and only a small number of providers offered vaccine, including local health departments. Today, vaccine is widely available throughout the Fairfax Health District. Pharmacies, health systems and health care providers will continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and will remain options for residents when boosters become available.

Residents can visit www.vaccines.gov to make an appointment when they become eligible for booster shots.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.