(WGHP) — The CDC and the FDA are recommending that people with severely weakened immune systems get an extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as of Friday.
The CDC says that immunocompromised people who are fully vaccinated account for more than 40% of breakthrough cases and could face serious and prolonged illness if they contract the virus.
A third shot is recommended for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including people undergoing cancer treatment, stem cell or organ transplant recipients, people living with HIV or those who are receiving immunosuppressive treatments. A full list of conditions can be found on CDC’s website.
The CDC recommends that the extra dose be of the same series taken before and it should be administered at least four weeks after becoming fully vaccinated.
Patients must be 18 or older to receive the Moderna vaccine or 12 and older to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
The lists below include only counties and pharmacies that have released information about third COVID-19 vaccine shots. As more counties and pharmacies release information, they will be added to the lists.
Counties
Alamance County — Alamance County expects to begin offering third COVID-19 vaccine shots sometime this week. The county is waiting on the standing order from the state medical director and the medical director.
Randolph County — Randolph County Public Health Department is offering a third dose.
Rockingham County — Rockingham County is waiting for approval from NCDHHS. Once the county receives approval and specific protocol, health officials will begin administering the vaccines.
Davidson County — Davidson County Public Health is offering a third dose.
Forsyth County — The Forsyth County Department of Public Health is now offering a third shot for immunocompromised people.
Guilford County — Guilford County officials are in the final planning stages for the rollout of booster shots. They should have more information available by the end of next week.
Pharmacies
CVS — CVS is prepared to begin administering a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday (8/14) to eligible immunocompromised patients according to guidelines shared by the CDC. CVS strongly encourages eligible patients to schedule an appointment for a third dose at CVS.com. Patients are now able to begin scheduling vaccination appointments on CVS.com.
Walgreens — Walgreens is administering a third dose to certain immunocompromised people at locations nationwide, following FDA’s emergency use authorization and new guidance from the CDC, according to a Walgreens news release. Same-day appointments will be available on a walk-in basis at select Walgreens stores. Patients should bring their vaccination record to appointments and will be required to attest to their eligibility.
Health Providers
Cone Health — Cone Health is not offering a third dose at this time. They hope to have information on how immunocompromised people can get a booster vaccination later in the week.
Wake Forest Baptist Health — Wake Forest Baptist Health is now offering a third shot for immunocompromised people.
Novant Health — Novant Health will begin administering third doses to patients who meet the criteria outlined by the CDC and FDA. They ask all immunocompromised patients seeking a third booster dose to visit GetVaccinated.org for updates on how to schedule an appointment. As a reminder, you do not have to be a Novant Health patient to make an appointment or walk in to a vaccination site for a first or second dose.
