County Residents With Compromised Immune Systems Can Get COVID Booster Shot

San Diego CA

19 August, 2021

1:31 PM

Description

By Elizabeth Ireland, Times of San Diego August 19, 2021 San Diego County residents with moderately to severely compromised immune systems can get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to fight waning immunity, it was announced Wednesday, as federal health officials recommended all vaccinated Americans get the booster shots. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the recommendation late last week because immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe disease from the virus. When making the recommendation, the CDC provided a very specific list of conditions for people who should receive the additional dose. "San Diegans who are immunocompromised should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action," said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county's public health officer. "The best protection against COVID-19 is the vaccine and a third dose will help most people with compromised immune systems from developing severe illness from the virus." The county Health and Human Services Agency estimates the immunocompromised population in the county is around 26,000. The county is working on vaccine plans to meet the guidance being drafted by the CDC for an expansion of additional doses in late September. No details are available currently. In the meantime, Wooten continued to urge unvaccinated San Diegans to get their first dose and for those due a second dose to not delay. The Delta variant, which is much more contagious, continues to drive up the number of cases being reported in the region and nationwide. "The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to get us out of this pandemic," Wooten said. "Get vaccinated now to avoid getting sick and passing the virus to others, especially people who are more vulnerable to the disease." A full list of available county vaccination sites and more information can be found at www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine. City News Service contributed to this report. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.