COVID-19 Booster Shots Available For Immunocompromised Residents

San Diego CA

19 August, 2021

8:58 AM

Description

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — San Diego County residents with moderately to severely compromised immune systems can get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, county health officials announced Wednesday. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency estimates the immunocompromised population is around 26,000 in the county. "San Diegans who are immunocompromised should speak with their doctor to determine the best course of action," said Wilma J. 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced its recommendation regarding immunocompromised people late last week, saying they are more susceptible to severe disease from the virus. The county is working on vaccine plans to meet the guidance being drafted by the CDC for the expansion of additional doses in late September. No details were available. 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." County health officials on Wednesday reported 1,117 new COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths, increasing the region's cumulative totals to 318,152 cases and 3,834 deaths. More than 2.06 million county residents — or 73.6 percent — are fully vaccinated, according to the county. About 2.36 million — or 84.2 percent — of San Diegans 12 and older are partially vaccinated.