Who is eligible to get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. CDC's recommendation includes people with a range of conditions, such as recipients of organ or stem cell transplants, people with advanced or untreated HIV infection, active recipients of treatment for cancer, people who are taking some medications that weaken the immune system, and others. A full list of conditions can be found on CDC's website. To see guidance from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, visit: https://oeps.wv.gov/healthalerts/Documents/WV/WVHAN_178.pdf.

When can I get an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if I am immunocompromised?

Immunocompromised individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna and are looking to receive this additional dose of the respective vaccine should consult their health care provider before scheduling a vaccine appointment.

If I am immunocompromised, how long do I have to wait after receiving the 2nd dose to get the 3rd dose?

For immunocompromised individuals, CDC recommends waiting at least 28 days after completion of your initial 2-dose vaccination before seeking the additional dose. To find a vaccine provider near you visit www.vaccinate.wv.gov.

Is the additional dose the same medicine as the earlier doses?

Yes.

What is the difference between an "additional dose" and a "booster dose?"

An "additional dose" refers to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised receiving an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 28 days after the completion of the initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. They may not have received adequate protection from their initial 2-dose vaccine series.

A "booster dose" is a supplemental vaccine dose given to people when their immune response to a primary vaccine series is likely to have waned over time. The need for and timing of a COVID-19 booster dose has not been established by the federal government. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC continue to review evidence and data.

What happens if I get the additional dose even though I'm not immunocompromised?

It's important to note that an additional dose is only recommended for individuals who are immunocompromised.

Will providers accept anyone who says they're immunocompromised to receive a third dose? Will people need to show a doctor's note/prescription or other documentation?

Immunocompromised individuals may discuss with their health care provider whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. If their health care provider is not at a site administering vaccines, these individuals can self-attest and receive the additional dose wherever vaccines are offered. This will help ensure there are not additional barriers to access for this vulnerable population receiving a needed additional dose.

Does it matter which vaccine I got for the first two doses?

The additional dose should be the same vaccine product as the initial two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna).

What should immunocompromised people who received the J&J/Janssen vaccine do?

There is not enough data at this time to determine whether immunocompromised people who received Johnson & Johnson's Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine. FDA and CDC are actively working to provide guidance on this issue.

I lost my COVID-19 vaccine card. How do I get a replacement?

Contact the location of your first shot and ask if they’ll give you a replacement. Take an ID and recall the date you were vaccinated. If you received two shots at different locations, return to the site where you got the second dose, which may be able to provide the information needed for a complete card.

If you are unable to retrieve vaccine information from a location, you may visit www.vaccinate.wv.gov and click the COVID Replacement Card link to complete the request form.