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For those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised—including individuals who have had an organ transplant or are undergoing cancer treatment—the CDC now suggests an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Who qualifies for this recommendation?
The CDC advises this additional vaccine dose for anyone categorized as ‘moderately to severely’ immunocompromised. As mentioned earlier, many immunocompromised individuals have sufficient protection after receiving two doses of an mRNA vaccine, but not all do. Those with cancer or those who have had organ transplants may not respond as effectively to the vaccine.
The CDC suggests considering a third dose if you meet any of the following conditions:
Currently undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers affecting the blood
Have received an organ transplant and are on medication to suppress the immune system
Have had a stem cell transplant in the last two years or are taking medication to suppress the immune system
Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (examples include DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
Advanced or untreated HIV infection
Undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other medications that may weaken your immune response
If you're uncertain whether you meet the criteria, it's recommended that you check with your doctor.
So, when should I get my next dose?
After receiving your first two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine according to the usual schedule, you should return at least 28 days later for a third dose. If more time has passed, that’s okay too.
If possible, you should receive the same vaccine you originally got: If you had Moderna for your first two doses, you should get Moderna for your third. However, if you can't recall which vaccine you received or if it's unavailable, either option is fine.
What if I received the J&J vaccine?
This advice is only for those who have already received (or plan to receive) one of the mRNA vaccines—Pfizer or Moderna. This is based on evidence showing that some immunocompromised individuals may not be fully protected after two doses of these vaccines, but a third shot enhances their protection. There’s no data yet to suggest whether a booster would be beneficial or even necessary for the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.
