April 19, 2024
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McHenry County health department to give 3rd COVID-19 vaccine shot to immunocompromised

Those eligible must get the same vaccine type they previously received, county health department says

By Cassie Buchman
Jacquie Romano of Crystal Lake receives her second dose of the Moderna vaccine during a clinic by the McHenry County Department of Health on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Willow Creek Community Church in Crystal Lake. The clinic began accepting walk-in patients that day.

Jacquie Romano of Crystal Lake receives her second dose of the Moderna vaccine during a clinic by the McHenry County Department of Health on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Willow Creek Community Church in Crystal Lake. The clinic began accepting walk-in patients that day. (Matthew Apgar/Matthew Apgar)

Immunocompromised people can get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose through the McHenry County Department of Health, the department announced Wednesday.

The statement came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a formal recommendation for the additional dose on Friday, citing emerging data that suggests some people with “moderately to severely compromised” immune systems do not always build the same level of immunity compared as those who are not immunocompromised.

In a news release, the McHenry County health department said those who 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 two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system; moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency, such as DiGeorge or Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes; or an advanced or untreated HIV infection should talk to their healthcare provider about whether to get a third shot.

Those who are eligible must use the same vaccine type they received for their first and second dose, the McHenry County health department said. It must be administered at least four weeks after receiving the second dose of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.

There is not enough data at this time to determine if immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine also have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine, the McHenry County health department said.

Those interested in getting a third shot at a McHenry County health department clinic must bring photo identification and a CDC Vaccination Record with the previous two doses documented. If no card is presented, a new card may be issued if vaccine doses can be verified in the State of Illinois Vaccine Registry, or I-CARE.

To book at an appointment at McHenry County health department’s clinic in Woodstock or Crystal Lake, go to bit.ly/MCDHCOVIDVaxLoc and select “MCDH Woodstock or Crystal Lake.” Those who need assistance with scheduling an appointment or have questions about their eligibility can contact the county’s COVID-19 Call Center by calling 815-334-4045.