On Friday (Aug. 13), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized additional COVID-19 vaccine shots for certain individuals who are immunocompromised.
The CDC announcement follows similar authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was announced late Thursday (Aug. 12).
The authorization is for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and applies to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including those 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 two 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 FDA and CDC did not authorize additional shots for other fully vaccinated individuals or for recipients of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
With authorization from both agencies in place, West Virginia University students, faculty and staff who previously received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and who meet eligibility requirements may receive an additional COVID-19 shot.
The CDC recommends a third dose for immunocompromised individuals 28 days or more after completing the initial two rounds of shots. The CDC also advises that patients talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
As previously shared, WVU is hosting a series of pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in partnership with the Monongalia County Health Department for students, faculty and staff on the Morgantown campus as well as members of the community:
· Tuesday, Aug. 17
WVU Student Recreation Center (Outdoor Rec Fields) – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. (during WVU Refresh FoodFest and Celebration)
· Wednesday, Aug. 18
Mountainlair Green – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No appointment is necessary, and the clinics will offer the Pfizer vaccine. Those who are interested in receiving a vaccine may walk in to any of the pop-up clinics during operating hours.
Vaccines will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. First, second and third doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available. Children aged 12 to 17 are eligible to receive a vaccine at the clinic if they are accompanied by a legal guardian.
In addition to the pop-up vaccination clinics on campus, the Monongalia County Health Department is offering free vaccinations by appointment on most days at their facility at 453 Van Voorhis Rd. Anyone who wishes to be vaccinated can call the Monongalia County Health Department at 304-598-5119 to schedule an appointment.
Additional local vaccination opportunities can be found at vaccines.gov.
As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff must verify their vaccine status at myhousing.wvu.edu. This video explains the steps and information needed to complete verification. Students, faculty and staff still can verify their vaccines throughout the fall semester if they choose to be vaccinated at a later date.
Those who receive the vaccine from a WVU or WVU Medicine vaccine clinic still are responsible for verifying their vaccine status.
Visit the Return to Campus website for more information and the latest COVID-19 updates. WVU Health Sciences also has updated the coronavirus.wvu.edu website to reflect the most up-to-date information on vaccines and the Delta variant. Contact covidvaccine@mail.wvu.edu with any questions.