Immunocompromised people are eligible for fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Last week, DOH’s vaccine team sent a notification to providers about offering a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to people who are immunocompromised. Protection is critical for this high-risk group and it’s important to know vaccination protocol can vary; they are more likely than others to contract COVID-19 and get severely ill, and are more likely to transmit the virus.

CDC recommendations for people who are immunocompromised

The CDC recommends that some people age five and older who are moderately or severely immune compromised and who got an mRNA vaccine as their primary series receive an additional (third) primary dose 28 days after their second dose. This is a total of three doses for the primary series. Five months after the primary series is completed, everyone at least age 12 should get a booster dose for added protection. For vaccination guidance for children ages 5-11 please visit our Vaccinating Youth webpage.

Immune compromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine as their primary series should not receive an additional primary dose, but should receive a booster two months after their primary dose of Johnson & Johnson.

As medical providers, public health educators, and support staff it is imperative to understand the vaccine recommendation for this high-risk population. Encourage your immunocompromised populations to get vaccinated and ensure they complete the entire primary series plus booster.

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine or conditions that qualify an immunocompromised individual to be eligible can be found at:

For questions on this, email COVID.vaccine@doh.wa.gov.