COVID-19 infection risk is greater for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Therefore, the CDC now recommends a 4th COVID-19 Vaccine dose (or a second booster) for immunocompromised individuals.
Those who are 12 years old and or older with moderately-to-severely-weakened immune systems should receive a total of four doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. These guidelines have been developed by the CDC due to the risk of infection and death in those who are moderately-to-severely immunocompromised.
Need help determining if you are eligible? The following information has been provided by the CDC.
Vaccines for Children Ages 5-11 Years Old
Fourth doses are not recommended for those who are between the ages of 5 and 11. The chart provided by the CDC shares information about correct dosing and timing.
| Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccine | Age Group | Number of Doses to Complete Primary Series and Timing | Booster and Timing |
| Pfizer-BioNTech | 5-11 years old | 3 doses total: 2nd dose is given 3 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose is given at least 4 weeks after the 2nd dose | No recommendation |
Vaccines for those who are 12 years old and older
The information provided in the chart is sourced from “COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised People” by the CDC. Note that these recommendations are strictly for those who are moderately- to severely-immunocompromised and who are age 12 and older.
| Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccine | Age Group | Number of Doses to Complete Primary Series and Timing | Booster and Timing |
| Pfizer-BioNTech | 12+ years | 3 doses: 2nd dose is given 3 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose is given at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose | 1 booster: 1 booster is given at least 3 months after 3rd dose |
| Moderna | 18+ years | 3 doses: 2nd dose is given 4 weeks after 1st dose 3rd dose is given at least 4 weeks after 2nd dose | 1 booster: 1 booster is given at least 3 months after 3rd dose |
Criteria for Immunocompromised Inviduals Who Recieved J&J/Janssen Vaccine
Criteria for the COVID-19 is different for those who are immunocompromised and received the J&J/Janssen Vaccine. The CDC states, “people ages 18 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received the 1 dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine should get a second dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines). They should also receive a booster—for a total of 3 doses.”
Use the following information provided by the CDC to better understand which vaccines are needed.
| Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccine | Age Group | Number of Doses to Complete Primary Series and Timing | Booster and Timing |
| J&J/Janssen | 18+ years | 2 doses: 1st dose J&J/Janssen 2nd dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) given at least 4 weeks after 1st dose | 1 booster: Either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) in most situations given at least 2 months after 2nd dose |
Find a COVID-19 vaccine or booster by searching vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
COVID-19 Information
The Racine County Eye and Kenosha Lens is committed to publishing the most current and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in our Coronavirus section. View both the Racine County COVID-19 Dashboard and Kenosha County COVID-19 Dashboard offering real-time (updated Monday – Friday) statistical reporting for Racine and Kenosha Counties.
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