CDC: People who are immunocompromised may need a fourth COVID shot

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)— Some immuno-compromised people may get a fourth vaccine dose, that’s according to updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The guidelines say people over the age of 18 who are "moderately to severely immuno-compromised" and have received three doses of an MRNA vaccine may get a fourth shot of either the Pfizer, Moderna, or the Johnson and Johnson vaccines. The shots would have to be at least six months after getting their third dose.

[See-Area pharmacies offering Moderna, Johnson & Johnson boosters]

A smaller CDC study showed 44% of people who were hospitalized breakthrough cases were immunocompromised. A breakthrough case is where someone who received a vaccine contracts the virus.

The CDC previously authorized the Pfizer vaccine as a third dose for certain immuno-compromised people back in August, J&J and Moderna received the okay last week.

While the guidelines were released, the CDC does not have a recommendation for people who are immunocompromised to receive both a booster and an additional dose.