JACKSON, Wyo. — People with compromised immune systems will be able to get a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, but not for at least another week.

The FDA approved a third dose for immunocompromised people Aug. 12, and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on recommending a third dose of the vaccine to immunocompromised people today.

The Teton County Health Department will not be able to administer third doses until sometime next week, the Health Department announced in a press release. The CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health must first approve the change.

To accommodate the demand in COVID-19 vaccine appointments, Teton County Health Department will be expanding the current COVID-19 vaccine clinic hours starting Wednesday, Aug. 18. Walk-in appointments will be paused for the time being. Beginning next week, you must have an appointment to attend the Teton County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

Once the initial demand for these additional doses wanes, walk-in appointments will be resumed. For the latest information, updates on clinic times, to book an appointment, and to see more details who can receive an additional dose of the vaccine, visit Teton County’s website.

This third dose decision was made after reviewing available data and determining that this small group of vulnerable individuals will benefit from receiving a third dose to provide additional protection from COVID-19. Individuals who are immunocompromised do not build the same immune response after a vaccine as compared to others, making them more at-risk for infection. The amendment allows for a third dose of the same vaccine to be received at least 28 days after having received a second dose in a given two-dose series.

Currently, other fully vaccinated individuals are not recommended to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

This amendment to the Emergency Use Authorization does not apply to individuals who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC and FDA are still reviewing information to ensure individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have optimal vaccine protection.

Shannon is a Wyoming-raised writer and reporter. She just completed a master's in journalism from Boston University. Jackson shaped her into an outdoorswoman, but a love for language and the human condition compels her to write. She believes there's no story too small to tell nor adventure too small to take.