KNOW THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN 3rd DOSE AND BOOSTERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson
(410) 219-3947 (Office)
(410) 251-5379 (Cell)
KNOW THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN 3rd DOSE AND BOOSTERS
(October 1, 2021, Salisbury, MD) Booster doses are for PFIZER ONLY. A booster dose is an additional dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. Typically, you would get a booster after the immunity for the initial dose(s) naturally starts to wane. The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer.
The Wicomico County Health Department (WiCHD) will start administering boosters on Monday, October 4, 2021. WiCHD continues doing 3rd doses (Moderna and Pfizer) for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The following are eligible for Boosters:
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings shouldreceive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditionsshould receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series,
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditionsmay receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks, and
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting mayreceive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
3rd Doses for Immune Compromised Individuals
**For Moderna and Pfizer**
A third dose is recommended for people with weakened immune systems who did not have a strong enough response to the first 2 doses. It can be given as soon as 28 days after a second dose.
Moderately to severely immunocompromised people include those who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers in the blood
- Received and organ transplant and are taking medication to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medication to suppress the immune system
- Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
To reiterate: WiCHD will start administering boosters on Monday, October 4, 2021. WiCHD continues providing 3rd doses (Moderna and Pfizer) for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. 3rd doses can be given a minimum of 28 days after the 2nd dose. To make an appointment, visit www.wicomicohealth.org or call 410-341-4600. Please bring your vaccine card.
Want to stay updated on local COVID-19 news? Connect with the health department at www.wicomicohealth.org or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth) or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).
# # # #