Third Dose Available for Individuals with Immunocompromised Health

The new doses will be available at the mobile clinics operated by Riverside County Public Health Department

Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can now get an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose through mobile clinics run by Riverside County Public Health.

While appointments are not required, those seeking the additional vaccine dose of Moderna or Pfizer are encouraged to make an appointment through the county’s website (www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine) No doctor’s note or medical records are required to receive the additional dose.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the additional dose is intended to improve immunocompromised people’s response to their initial vaccine series and is not the same as a booster dose.

Individuals with the following conditions are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised:

• 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 your immune response

Those with concerns or questions about their own health status should speak to their primary care physician to determine whether the additional vaccine is appropriate.

“The additional vaccine dose is critical to protect those whose health is already compromised,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Public Health Officer for Riverside County. “This additional protection will save lives.”

More than 2.5 million vaccine doses have been administered in Riverside County between the county operated clinics and those run by the community partners.

“The COVID-19 vaccine continues to protect residents from severe illness,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “The third shot for our immunocompromised residents will ensure that our most vulnerable continue to be protected.”

The county offers three types of vaccines – Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson – at its clinics. Those 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated, although individuals 12 through 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and must receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Those needing assistance can call 951-358-5000.