The Hamilton County Health Department is encouraging fully vaccinated individuals with weakened immune systems who are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster to seek a third shot, as the department is preparing to open up boosters for all residents in about a month.
The new recommendation applies only to those who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines four or more weeks ago and have immune-compromising conditions. That can include organ transplant recipients and those actively undergoing cancer treatment or taking high-dose steroid medication or other drugs that weaken the immune response.
Immune-compromised people typically don’t mount as strong of a response to vaccines in general and could benefit from additional protection, according to a news release from the health department.
Health Department Administrator Becky Barnes said during a news briefing Friday that no proof is required to receive a third shot, and a full list of eligible conditions is available on the department’s website. Individuals are encouraged to speak with their health care provider to decide if a booster is right for them, Barnes said.
“If you are one of those persons, I would encourage you to seek that third dose,” she said, adding that the department is ramping up efforts to offer boosters to the general population sometime around Sept. 20.