Are You Immunocompromised? You May Need a 3rd COVID-19 Vaccine

Published on Nov. 10, 2021

If your immune system is compromised, you should plan to get a third dose of the Pfizer (ages 12 and up) or Moderna (ages 18 and up) COVID-19 vaccine, and stay updated on your COVID-19 boosters.

This third dose is critically important to helping at-risk patients build protection against COVID-19 and its variants.

Why a third dose?

According to the CDC, a third dose may prevent serious and possibly life-threatening COVID-19 illness in immunocompromised people.

Studies are showing that individuals with weaker immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. This group may have a hard time building immunity from a two-dose vaccine series, especially as compared with people who aren’t immunocompromised.

Adding a third dose should help boost the antibody response from their initial vaccine series.

Who qualifies as immunocompromised?

About 3 percent of the adult population is considered moderately to severely immunocompromised (Source: CDC). This term may include individuals who are:

  • Undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers
  • Organ transplant recipients taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Stem cell transplant recipients within the last two years or who are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • In a state of moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as with DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • HIV-positive (advanced or untreated)
  • Under active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress immune response

This is not a complete list. If you think your medical history qualifies you as immunocompromised, please ask your family doctor or primary care provider to confirm.

Can I request a different vaccine for my third dose or booster?

You should plan to receive a third dose of the same COVID-19 mRNA vaccine as your original two-dose series (either Pfizer or Moderna). If your original vaccine is unavailable or unknown, you can receive either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Note: if possible, please bring your vaccination card with you to your third-dose appointment.

What about boosters?

A booster dose is recommended for eligible COVID-19 vaccine recipients, including those who are immunocompromised. 

If I qualify, where can I get my third dose?

Munson Healthcare primary care practices are scheduling third dose COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments for immunocompromised individuals. 

If you're eligible for a third dose or a booster, please reach out to your primary care provider to request an appointment. If you’re unsure, or without a family doctor, call our Ask-A-Nurse line at 231-935-0951.

Ask-A-Nurse

Other locations administering third-dose vaccines and boosters may include nearby pharmacies and your local health department. Find vaccine providers near you at vaccinefinder.org.