Updates from Ochsner

Key Points:

  • CDC Recommendation: CDC recommends people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after the initial 2 doses. CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time.
  • Additional Dose vs. Booster: An additional mRNA dose following an initial vaccine series is given to people who may not have had a strong enough immune response after receiving the initial vaccine series. A booster dose is a supplemental dose given to groups whose immune response has weakened over time. No booster doses are recommended at this time. This may change as more information becomes available.
  • Eligibility: Fully vaccinated immunocompromised people have accounted for a large proportion of hospitalized “breakthrough cases,” and that suggests immunocompromised people are more likely to transmit the virus to household contacts. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised make up about 3% of the adult population and are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. 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 your immune response
  • Self-Attestation Form: People with one of the listed conditions who wish to receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may self-attest to their condition by completing and signing a “Third Dose Medical Risk Factor Self-Attestation Form – https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-CP/HANs/HANS21-58Attachment-3rdDoseAttestationForm.pdf
  • How to Schedule an Appointment with Ochsner: All Ochsner hospitals, clinics, community vaccination sites, and retail pharmacy locations are ready to administer third doses. We will continue to accept walk-ups at our locations. Eligible individuals can schedule appointments through MyOchsner or by calling 844-888-2772. Patients in Lafayette can find vaccination opportunities by visiting OchsnerLG.org/vaccine .

Additional Resources from the Ochsner Blog:

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