JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — On August 12, the FDA amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow individuals who are immunocompromised to receive a third dose.
On August 13, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on recommending a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to those who have certain immunocompromising conditions and have already received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The decision was made after reviewing available data and determining that this small group of vulnerable individuals will benefit from receiving a third dose to provide additional protection from COVID-19. Individuals who are immunocompromised do not build the same immune response after a vaccine as compared to others, making them more at-risk for infection.
This amendment allows for a third dose of the same vaccine to be received at least 28 days after having received a second dose in a given two-dose series. Currently, other fully vaccinated individuals are not recommended to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization does not apply to individuals who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and FDA are still reviewing information to ensure individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have optimal vaccine protection.
The Teton County Health Department will not be able to administer third doses until sometime this week. The CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health must first approve the change.
To accommodate the demand in COVID-19 vaccine appointments, Teton County Health Department will be expanding the current COVID-19 vaccine clinic hours starting Wednesday, August 18. Walk-in appointments will be paused for the time being.
Beginning this week, everyone must have an appointment to attend the Teton County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Once the initial demand for these additional doses wanes, walk-in appointments will be resumed.
