Vidant Health announces third dose COVID-19 vaccine | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    Greenville, N.C. - Sept. 3, 2021 - Moderately or severely immunocompromised community members can now schedule a third dose COVID-19 vaccine appointment through Vidant Health by calling 252-847-8000 or by visiting VidantHealth.com/Vaccinate. A third dose may prevent serious and possibly life-threatening COVID-19 in immunocompromised people who may not have responded to their initial vaccine series.

    Vidant Health is closely following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance to provide third doses to eligible community members. Appointments can be scheduled at Vidant Health clinics and oncology practices throughout the region for immunocompromised, eligible community members who meet the below criteria:

    · You've had an organ or stem cell transplant

    · You're receiving chemotherapy, other treatment for cancer or tumors, taking biologic agents (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, etc.), taking high doses of prednisone, or taking similar drugs. Many of these drugs are used for treatment of cancer, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis.

    · You have a disease that weakens your immune system (like HIV or a primary immune system disease)

    · Your doctor told you that you're immunosuppressed

    The third dose is recommended for immunocompromised individuals at least 28 days after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and is not recommended for those who received Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

    Vidant Health is following CDC guidance and is not currently offering additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time. Please continue checking back to VidantHealth.com/Vaccinate for the latest information on Vidant's vaccine efforts.

    Media contact:

    Ashlin Elliott, Vidant Public Relations 252-412-9436 or Ashlin.Elliott@VidantHealth.com