Additional dose of vaccine recommended for some Coloradans
In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signing and endorsing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation, the state of Colorado advises vaccination providers across the state to offer an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to moderately to severely immunocompromised Coloradans.
This recommendation pertains to immunocompromised persons who received the mRNA two-dose vaccine series.
“We have enough vaccine inventory in the state to begin administering an additional dose for these immunocompromised Coloradans,” said Diana Herrero, deputy director, Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We want to make sure Coloradans most at risk of severe outcomes have the best protection they can against the deadly COVID-19 virus. Administering an additional dose of the vaccine for these Coloradans will help us increase their protection and prevent more severe illness, hospitalization and death.”
The additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be administered at least 28 days after completion of the primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. ACIP recommends the additional dose should be the same as the primary mRNA vaccine series a person received, but an alternate mRNA dose can be used if that vaccine is not available.
Coloradans who need an additional dose should be able to access them immediately at enrolled state and federal vaccine providers. Additional doses are free. 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.
The state is coordinating with existing vaccination contractors and local public health agencies to support long-term care facilities in their work to vaccinate moderately to severely immunocompromised Coloradans.
In addition to receiving an additional mRNA dose, moderately to severely immunocompromised people should also take the following steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19: wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart from people they don’t live with, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Close contacts of immunocompromised people should also be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov. For more info, call 877-CO VAX CO (877-268-2926). Answers are available in multiple languages.