COVID-19 third dose versus booster

The Iowa Department of Public Health recently shared the following points to help explain the newly  approved COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and help individuals see if they meet the requirements.

A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is explained as follows:

• Recommended for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals at least 28 days after receiving the second Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
• Meant for people who have not built strong enough immunity after completing the initial vaccine series.
• Individuals who have any of the following;
- Organ transplant.
- Immunosuppressive therapy.
- High dose corticosteroid use
- Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies.

A booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for anyone six months after receiving  the two-dose  primary series of Pfizer to boost protection.  Individuals eligible for the Pfizer boost dose include:

• age 65+ and residents in long-term care facilities.
• ages 18-64 with underlying medical conditions.
• ages 18-64 with an increased risk for exposure and transmission because of occupational setting.

Right now they can call any of the local vaccine partners to schedule an appointment.

Anyone meeting these requirements can call any of the vaccine partners to schedule an appointment.  Anyone with additional questions on the current third dose versus booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged to call Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care/Allamakee County Public Health at 563-568-5660 for additional explanation.