Immunocompromised individuals will be able to get a third COVID-19 shot

(ABC 6 News) – Americans with weakened immune systems will soon e able to get a third shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says that the state is prepared to give out these third doses to those who qualify and says it will let providers know which Minnesotans can get the additional shot.

"Minnesota is prepared to begin offering additional doses and there are plenty of vaccine doses already here in the state to vaccinate, give third doses to this eligible population along with everyone else who is eligible for first and second doses," MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm said.

The FDA has not given out a full list yet of individuals who will be eligible for this third dose, but according to the CDC, it should include people who are undergoing active chemotherapy or have had solid organ transplants, as they are considered immunosuppressed.

"This announcement is really a welcome development in helping to protect some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans. People who have a compromised immune system may not develop as good of an immune response to the first two doses of COVID-19 vaccine so that a third dose may help improve their protection," Malcolm said.

This may also include those who have weakened immune systems because of medical conditions like immunodeficiency disorders.

"We’re big believers in the first doses that have come out. You know, they’re effective," Rod Schlader, President of MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, said. "So we encourage vaccination. If there’s another dose out that helps immunocompromised people, I would encourage people to do that. This is a life or death matter and I don’t think people necessarily look at it that way right now."