Four Things to Know About the Third COVID-19 Vaccination for High Risk and Immunocompromised Patients

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory group voted to approve the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for a third shot for COVID-19 vaccination.

This third vaccination is currently recommended for high risk and immunocompromised patients.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are included in this recommendation.

This third vaccination for high risk and immunocompromised patients is different than the COVID-19 booster dose. We cover more about the COVID-19 booster dose that applies to millions of Americans in this blog.

Four key things to know about the third COVID-19 vaccination:

1. Who is recommended to get a third COVID-19 vaccination?

This third shot is currently recommended for high risk and immunocompromised patients. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are included in this recommendation. The EUA does not include fully vaccinated, otherwise healthy people.

2. Why might I need a third shot?

An additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is needed periodically to increase the immune system and your antibody levels for more protection from COVID-19.

3. What does immunocompromised mean?

Immunocompromised patients include organ transplant recipients, people undergoing cancer treatment and people with HIV, among others. Talk to your doctor to help you determine if you are included in this patient population.

4. How can I make an appointment to receive the third COVID-19 shot?

At Loyola Medicine, patients over the age of 12 are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. If you are eligible for the third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, you can self-report as immunocompromised and book your vaccine appointment through myLoyola. You do not need a physician order.

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