CDC Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for People Who Are Immunocompromised

RALEIGH – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.  

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. The CDC’s recommendations ensure everyone, including people who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, gets as much protection as possible through vaccination. 

For people ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised and who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or ages 18 and older who received the Moderna vaccine, the CDC recommends they receive three initial doses plus a booster dose at least three months after their third dose. This shortens the length of time between an individual’s third dose and their booster, which was previously recommended at least five months after their third dose. 

For people ages 18 and older who are immunocompromised and who received a single Johnson & Johnson, the CDC now recommends they receive a total of three vaccine doses, including:

The initial dose of the Johnson & Johnson primary vaccine; 
One additional dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna); and 
One booster dose (preferably of an mRNA vaccine) at least two months after their second dose.

NCDHHS encourages people who have questions about which booster is right for them to talk with their doctor. 

These new recommendations apply to people who are 12 years of age or older. Booster doses are not yet available for children 5 to11 years old. Children ages 5-17 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may only receive the Pfizer vaccine as their additional dose.

View the CDC’s summary of recent changes here.

For more information about boosters and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised and where you can find a vaccination appointment nearby, visit MySpot.nc.gov. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. on weekends.