NEWARK, NJ – Saint Michael’s Medical Center in Newark is now offering a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals whose immune system is compromised.
The vaccination clinic is open every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are accepted. The clinic is easily accessible from the hospital’s Central Avenue entrance near the Emergency Room.
“We are pleased to be able to offer a third dose of the vaccine to individuals with compromised immune systems,” said Dr. Alan Sickles, the CEO of Saint Michael’s. “Offering a third dose vaccine is just a part of our ongoing effort to help control the spread of the pandemic and save lives.”
Last week, the hospital began offering COVID-19 vaccinations to all unvaccinated patients who visit the Emergency Department, the hospital’s clinics and all inpatients scheduled for discharge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that individuals whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely should receive an additional dose of the vaccine after the initial 2 doses. About 3% of the population is considered immunocompromised.
Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness.
At this time, the CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population.
Among those who are considered moderate to severely immunocompromised, according to the CDC, include people who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.
If you need a primary care physician, please call our Primary and Specialty Care Center at 973-877-5188. To schedule an appointment, call 973-877-5080.
This post contains information from the CDC.