The state Department of Health on Thursday recommended that moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial two doses.
The additional dose should be given at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
This recommendation is in line with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Additional doses or booster shots are not recommended for the general public at this time.
“Immunocompromised individuals are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, as they may not build sufficient immunity from the initial two-shot series of mRNA vaccines,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “At this time, additional doses are only recommended for this limited segment of the population.”
Immunocompromised individuals should discuss with their health care provider whether receiving an additional dose is appropriate for them.