Kroger, CVS, Walgreens and Meijer are some of the pharmacies offering the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people.Americans at high risk from COVID-19 because of severely weakened immune systems are now allowed to get a third vaccination in hopes of better protection as government advisers grappled with exactly who qualifies.The Food and Drug Administration ruled that transplant recipients and other similarly immune-compromised patients can get a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. But the decision offers an extra dose only to those high-risk groups — not the general public.The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer powerful protection for otherwise healthy people, but many who take immune-suppressing medications or have diseases that tamp down their immune systems generally get less benefit from the standard two doses. The CDC cited one study suggesting about 40% to 44% of people hospitalized for a so-called breakthrough case — infection after vaccination — are among the immune-compromised.Kroger, CVS, Walgreens and Meijer are among nationwide pharmacies offering the third shot.Walk in appointments are available. There will be a screening questionnaire to fill out.U.S. health authorities insist it's not yet time for booster doses for the general population.
Kroger, CVS, Walgreens and Meijer are some of the pharmacies offering the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people.
Americans at high risk from COVID-19 because of severely weakened immune systems are now allowed to get a third vaccination in hopes of better protection as government advisers grappled with exactly who qualifies.
The Food and Drug Administration ruled that transplant recipients and other similarly immune-compromised patients can get a third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. But the decision offers an extra dose only to those high-risk groups — not the general public.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer powerful protection for otherwise healthy people, but many who take immune-suppressing medications or have diseases that tamp down their immune systems generally get less benefit from the standard two doses. The CDC cited one study suggesting about 40% to 44% of people hospitalized for a so-called breakthrough case — infection after vaccination — are among the immune-compromised.
Kroger, CVS, Walgreens and Meijer are among nationwide pharmacies offering the third shot.
Walk in appointments are available. There will be a screening questionnaire to fill out.
U.S. health authorities insist it's not yet time for booster doses for the general population.
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