Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can now get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose through mobile clinics run by Riverside County Public Health. A doctor’s note or medical records are required to receive the additional dose.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the additional dose is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series and is not the same as a booster dose.
Individuals with the following conditions are considered moderately to severely
immunocompromised:
• Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Moderate or 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
Those with concerns or questions about their own health status should speak to their primary care physician to determine whether the additional vaccine is appropriate.
“The additional vaccine dose is critical to protect those whose health is already compromised,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Public Health Officer for Riverside County. “This additional protection will save lives.”
The county clinics offer three types of vaccines: Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson. Individuals ages 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated. Individuals ages 12 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Appointments are not required but are encouraged. Appointments can be made through the county’s website at www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine.
