The Virginia Department of Health announced that the Commonwealth will make third doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people this week.
The vaccines will be available as early as Aug. 14. The Washington Post reports that those in need of a third vaccine can get it the same way they got earlier shots —at pharmacies and healthcare providers, officials say.
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This move comes after the CDC updated its vaccination guidelines that recommend a third mRNA dose for those who have “significantly compromised immune systems.”
The FDA approved the use of an extra vaccine for those with weak immune systems on Thursday.
“This is important additional protection for people who have impaired immune systems,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver. “As COVID-19 cases rise across Virginia and the country, everyone who is eligible should get appropriately vaccinated as soon as they can.”
Officials said only Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines, so the FDA has not recommended an additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
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