Greene County Department of Public Health would like to clarify the difference between the additional dose recommendation and the booster recommendation. Though both refer to a 3rd dose, there is a distinction. 

On August 13, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made an interim recommendation for the use of an additional dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine beyond the initial 2-dose  mRNA vaccine series. This additional dose is for those who are moderate to severely immunocompromised. 

This interim recommendation for the use of an additional dose came from the ACIP after studies indicated that some immunocompromised people have a reduced immune response following the primary COVID-19  vaccine series when compared to those who are not immunocompromised. The CDC recommends that  individuals with the following receive this 3rd dose: 

• 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. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for you. 

Greene County Department of Public Health will start offering this additional dose on Friday, August 27th.  Appointments can be made by calling the Greene County Department of Public Health at (252) 747-8181. Our health department only offers the Moderna vaccine. 

In contrast to the 3rd dose recommendation above, a booster is given when there is evidence that shows a  decrease in the protection against a virus over time. Studies by both Pfizer and Moderna have found a  reduction in protection does exist following the completion of their vaccine series and are currently seeking approval for booster shots. Johnson & Johnson continues to evaluate the effectiveness of their shot over time. 

Booster shots will be subject to an independent evaluation by the FDA to determine their safety and effectiveness. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will then complete a  thorough review of the FDA’s findings and make recommendations on the use of boosters for the public.  While this process is anticipated to be completed this fall, no date has been set yet. Greene County  Department of Public Health is underway with its planning efforts to ensure that booster shots can be administered as soon as the evaluation process is completed, and booster vaccines are received. 

We encourage everyone to continue to monitor Greene County Department of Public Health’s website and  Facebook page for updates (www.greenecountync.gov/health).