Texas MedClinic offers COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech mRNA vaccine third dose to those who are immune compromised
August 18, 2021
Following the CDC recommendation last week that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses, Texas MedClinic began offering a third dose for this group.
“From the onset of the pandemic, we have known that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can severely impact those who are immunocompromised,” said Texas MedClinic Chief Operating Officer and practicing physician Dr. David Gude. “After further research, CDC is sharing that people with compromised immune systems may not build the same level of immunity with a 2-dose vaccines series compared to people with intact immune systems.”
The additional dose intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series is NOT the same as a booster dose that is given to people when the immune response to a primary vaccine series is likely to have waned over time.
According to the Washington Post, today the Biden administration announced that after September 20 vaccinated Americans can get booster shots against coronavirus eight months after their second injection.
CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days or 4 weeks after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered.
Those who are immunocompromised include people who have:
- Been 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
For those who are immune compromised and want a third dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Check-in Online to make a reservation at a clinic near you.
Texas MedClinic offers the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine to those 12 years and older from 8AM to 11PM, seven days per week at all 19 locations in San Antonio, Selma, Spring Branch, New Braunfels, Austin, and Round Rock offer the Pfizer vaccine for those 12 and older. Those who are ages 12-17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is offered only at the Texas MedClinic Broadway location near the San Antonio airport. Online reservations preferred. Walk-ins are welcome.
