MCDH to provide third COVID-19 dose for moderately to severely immunocompromised people
McHENRY COUNTY — The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is announcing that it will be providing a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine at its clinics to individuals who are mildly to severely immunocompromised.
The decision to provide a third dose to this small pool of eligible individuals was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a formal recommendation on Friday, August 13. According to the CDC, “emerging data suggest some people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems do not always build the same level of immunity compared to people who are not immunocompromised.”
Anyone who meets the following conditions should speak with their healthcare provider about their medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them:
- 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
Those who are eligible must use the same vaccine type they received for their first and second dose, and it must be administered at least four weeks after receiving a second dose of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine. There is not enough data at this time to determine whether immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine.
To get a third shot at an MCDH clinic, you must bring the following information:
- Photo identification
- CDC Vaccination Record with the previous two doses documented. If no card is presented, a new card may be issued (fee applies) if vaccine doses can be verified in the State of Illinois Vaccine Registry (I-CARE).
- Vax Verify record
To book at an appointment at MCDH’s clinic in Woodstock or Crystal Lake, please visit bit.ly/MCDHCOVIDVaxLoc and select “MCDH Woodstock or Crystal Lake.” Those who need assistance with scheduling an appointment or have questions about their eligibility, please contact the MCDH COVID-19 Call Center by calling (815) 334-4045.
