For Immediate Release: August 19, 2021
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-316-2117 / 802-863-7281
[email protected]
State Adopts CDC Guidance for Vermonters with Weakened Immune Systems
Clinics offering additional doses this week
BURLINGTON, VT – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that people whose immune systems are moderately to severely weakened receive an additional dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
At this time, CDC recommends the third dose for people who have compromised immune systems and have received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. An additional dose is not currently recommended for those who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. If you are eligible for the additional vaccination, you will be required to self-attest that you qualify.
People are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised if they have:
- Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
- Receipt of a solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
- Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory
“People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “Some primary care providers are equipped to give an additional dose to those who are eligible.”
Below is a list of the vaccination sites that have begun to offer additional doses. These sites can only accommodate walk-ins at this time. Some pharmacies are also offering additional doses for those who are eligible. Check with your pharmacist for more information.
As the school year approaches, make sure that your children aged 12 and older are also vaccinated.
You can also go to healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine to find where to get your shot near you. Vaccines are free to all.
Vaccination Sites:
Thursday, August 19
- Waterbury Farmer's Market, 2 Rotarian Place, Waterbury
- Barre Town EMS, 4 McLaughlin Road, East Barre
- SunCommon, 442 U.S. Route 2, Waterbury
Friday, August 20
- Vermont Distillers (Metcalfe's) at Hogback Overlook, 7755 Route 9 East, West Marlboro
- Newport Waterfront Plaza, Newport
- Mt. Abraham Union High School, 220 Airport Drive, Bristol
- Bellows Falls Union High School, 406 High School Road, Bellows Falls
- 1311 Barre Montpelier Road, Berlin
Saturday, August 21
- Bellows Falls Fire Department, 170 Rockingham Street, Bellows Falls
- Grand Isle Sheriff's Department, 10 Island Circle, Grand Isle
- Stowe Community Church, 137 Main Street, Stowe
- Orleans Fire Department, 102 Main Street, Orleans
- Lamoille County Court House, 154 Main Street, Hyde Park
- Waterbury Ambulance, 1727 Guptil Road, Waterbury Center
- Lawson's Finest Liquids, 155 Carrol Road, Waitsfield
Sunday, August 22
- Hyde Park Municipal Office, 344 VT Route 15, Hyde Park
Here are more ways to get your free COVID-19 vaccine:
Make an appointment for a free vaccine
Walk-in at CVS, Hannaford Food and Drug, Walmart, Walgreens, Price Chopper/Market 32, Rite Aid, Shaw’s Supermarket, or Costco or get an appointment with Kinney Drugs, CVS, Walgreens, Northfield Pharmacy, or UVMMC Outpatient Pharmacies.
See the latest news about booster shots for certain people with weakened immune systems.
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