How To Get A Vaccine Appointment

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Doses for people who are immunocompromised

Specific Instructions for people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get COVID-19 than people with normal immune systems. And if they get infected they are more likely to get seriously ill and to spread the virus to other people in their home.

Studies have shown that some people who are immunocompromised don't build enough protection after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccine series.

If you have a weakened immune system, you should get an additional and/or booster dose based on what your primary vaccine series was.

If your primary series was Pfizer or Moderna

An additional (3rd) dose is recommended

The CDC recommends that people who have moderately to severely weakened immune systems whose primary series was Pfizer or Moderna receive a 3^rd dose. This includes 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 the immune response

This 3rd dose should be the same COVID-19 vaccine as your primary series. Talk to your doctor about the need to get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Ask about the best timing based on your current treatment plan.This is especially important if you are about to start or restart immunosuppressive treatment.

A booster dose may be considered at least 6 months after receiving the additional (3rd) dose. This booster can be any of the three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J. Talk with your doctor about whether a booster dose is right for you.

Pfizer

Dose 1

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Pfizer
primary series

21 days

Dose 2

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Pfizer
primary series

28+ days

Additional
3rd Dose

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Pfizer

At least 6 months

Booster Dose

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Any
COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna

Dose 1

Image of a Vaccine Vial
Moderna
primary series

28 days

Dose 2

Image of a Vaccine Vial
Moderna
primary series

28+ days

Additional
3rd Dose

Image of a Vaccine Vial
Moderna

At least 6 months

Booster Dose

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Any
COVID-19 vaccine

If your primary series was Johnson & Johnson (J&J)

A booster dose is recommended

The CDC recommends that moderately to severely immunocompromised people whose primary series was J&J receive a booster dose at least 2 months (8 weeks) after the primary dose.
The booster can be any of the three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J.
The CDC states that no more than a total of two COVID-19 vaccines are currently recommended for immunocompromised persons who received J&J as their primary series (i.e., the primary J&J dose and the booster dose).

Talk to your doctor if you have questions. Ask your doctor for the best timing based on your current treatment plan.This is especially important if you are about to start or restart immunosuppressive treatment.

Johnson & Johnson

Dose 1

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J&J
primary series

At least 2 months

Booster Dose

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Any
COVID-19 vaccine

Notes:

If your doctor's facility does not provide vaccines, search below for a location near you.
If your primary vaccine series was Moderna or Pfizer and you are looking for an additional 3^rd dose, make sure to find a location that offers the same kind of vaccine as your primary series.
When you go to get vaccinated, take proof of vaccination such as your CDC white card or digital vaccination record (see Vaccination Records webpage for details, including how to get your digital record) to show that you completed your initial series.
If you attend a site run by Public Health, you will be asked to sign a self-attestation form if you don't have your vaccination verification: English | Español (Other languages)

For more information, see the Moderna, Pfizer, or J&J Fact Sheets for Recipients and Caregivers and the CDC webpage COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People.

Continue to protect yourself

It is important to continue to protect yourself even if you get a 3^rd dose of vaccine or booster dose. This includes wearing a well-fitting mask, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded places or spaces with poor air flow, and washing hands often. Consider "double masking" (wearing a cloth face mask over surgical mask) or an N95 respirator for a higher level of protection. The people you are in close contact with can help to protect you by getting vaccinated if eligible (including booster doses).