OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Health now recommends that some immunocompromised individuals receive a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The department said it can help some people with weakened immune systems be less likely to catch COVID-19 and get severely ill.
This would include two primary doses of an mRNA vaccine, an additional primary dose and a booster dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued similar recommendations.
“Receiving an additional primary dose and a booster dose will help protect those who are more susceptible to the disease. Getting everyone up to date on all vaccine doses they are eligible to receive can also help protect the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Chief Science Officer.
The CDC considers people moderately or severely immunocompromised if they 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 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 their immune system.
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