Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine recommended for immunocompromised Coloradans

Colorado’s health department is following in the footsteps of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by formally recommending that people with compromised immune systems get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Providers across the state are encouraged to offer an additional dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to moderately or severely immunocompromised people who have already received two-doses of the mRNA vaccines.

“We have enough vaccine inventory in the state to begin administering an additional dose for these immunocompromised Coloradans,” said Diana Herrero, deputy director of the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in a written statement. “We want to make sure Coloradans most at-risk of severe outcomes have the best protection they can against the deadly COVID-19 virus.”

Coronavirus infections are on the rise in Colorado, largely among unvaccinated people. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 589,526 COVID-19 cases had been reported in Colorado as of Aug. 13 and 7,284 people have died as a result of the infection. More than 3.2 million people in Colorado — nearly 66% of eligible people — are fully vaccinated.

Health experts recommend that the third shot be given at least 28 days after the second dose is administered, and that the third dose should be the same kind as the previous two doses, if available.

Patients can find vaccine providers at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccinefinder. Coloradans may self-report their moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions to vaccine providers in order to get an additional dose, according to a press release from CDPHE. The state is also coordinating with existing vaccination providers to support the efforts of long-term care facilities in providing third doses to their residents.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, Coloradans can call 1-877-268-2926.