COVID-19 Third Doses and Booster Doses

On August 20, 2021 the Health Department made a distinction between patients needing “third doses” and patients needing “boosters” for their COVID-19 vaccine.

RCMS IS NOW INITIATING THIRD DOSES – NOT BOOSTER DOSES

What is the difference?

THIRD DOSES: Patients with certain medical conditions require a third vaccine dose to complete their vaccine because they have challenges to their immune system. If you have any of the following medical conditions, you qualify for a third Pfizer or Moderna dose, and should get this as early as one month following your second dose.

Currently, ONLY the following conditions qualify for a third dose:

• History of organ transplant
• ·HIV positive
• Active cancer patient
• Immunocompromised
• Taking immunosuppressive medications

If you are uncertain if your medical condition qualifies you to get a third dose, please contact your primary care provider.

Any patient with a third dose qualifying medical condition can present to RCMS (or any pharmacy/facility providing COVID-19 vaccines) with appropriate doctor’s note and can receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose now.

RCMS is providing COID-19 vaccines daily in the triage building in front of the Gualala Main Clinic, 46900 Ocean Drive, from 10 AM to 2 PM on weekdays, and 12 noon to 4 PM on weekends.

BOOSTER DOSES: Booster doses (for Pfizer and Moderna) are also a third vaccine. They may ultimately will be available to all vaccine recipients. Booster doses likely will be approved soon and will likely be provided in order of patient need (e.g., age, profession, and high risk medical conditions). Although the CDC and the President have been discussing the need for future booster doses, County Public Health Officer and California Department of Public Health have not approved booster doses yet. As such RCMS is not offering booster doses.