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State health officials announced Friday those with weakened immune systems can received a third vaccine dose to strengthen protection against the coronavirus.
Booster shots will be available as early as Saturday across the commonwealth for people moderately and severely immunocompromised, the Virginia Department of Health said in a news release. Vaccine providers are working to adjust their procedures and make third doses available over the next several days.
The decision to provide Virginians with a third shot comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendation Friday on additional doses for people with compromised immune systems.
On Thursday, the Federal Drug Administration amended Pfizer and Moderna’s emergency use authorization to allow a third booster shot for mRNA vaccines after assessing studies with the targeted group.
Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine is not authorized for additional doses as it uses disabled adenovirus — an altered version of the virus that can’t make patients sick — instead of mRNA.
“Studies have shown that people with a compromised immune system can have a weak response to the standard vaccine regimen, and that a third dose is needed to strengthen immunity in these persons and protect them from serious COVID-19 complications,” the release said.
The FDA has not recommended boosters for the general public.
Roughly 3% of the 4.1 million Virginians vaccinated against COVID-19 could be immunocompromised, according to the state health department.
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Although studies show the subgroup could benefit from an additional shot, the VDH said, public health experts said a third dose for the immunocompromised doesn’t guarantee “a strong level of protection against COVID-19.” People should also consult their healthcare provider about monoclonal antibody treatments if they contract or are exposed to the virus.
Monoclonal antibody treatments are different from vaccines, which could take weeks to build up enough antibodies to prevent an infection. The lab-made antibodies are infused into high-risk patients with COVID-19 to prevent severe symptoms.
Those looking to receive a booster shot should wait 28 days after their second dose, the release said. A patient’s third shot can be from either Moderna or Pfizer regardless of which one they initially received. It’s preferable to stick with the same manufacturer if possible, the VDH said.
Information on risks from a third dose is limited. Reported side effects are presumed to be the same as previous shots — fatigue and pain around the injection site.
“Safety, efficacy, and benefit of additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised people continues to be evaluated,” according to the CDC’s website
While additional studies continue, public health experts urge people to continue mitigation strategies — mask wearing, social distancing, safe hand hygiene, avoiding crowds and indoor spaces with poor ventilation — to prevent infection and transmission. People living with someone who is immunocompromised are encourage to get vaccinated, if they haven’t already, to help protect others who are at higher risk.
Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8896, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com