The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a third COVID-19 vaccine dose for certain individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems who previously received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Studies indicate that this population may benefit from an additional dose to increase their immune system response and ensure adequate protection against COVID-19, including the highly infectious delta variant.
Included in the CDC’s recommendation are people with a range of conditions, such as recipients of organ transplants who are taking medicine to suppress the immune system, people who received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system, people with advanced or untreated HIV infection, those in an active treatment for cancer for tumors or cancers of the blood, people who are taking medications that may suppress the immune system, and others. A full list of conditions can be found on the CDC’s website.
According to the CDC, other fully vaccinated people do not need an additional dose or booster shot at this time.
COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Sutter Health is currently scheduling appointments for third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. At this time, third-dose scheduling is available only by phone at 844-987-6115. Third-dose appointments aren’t yet available in My Health Online and can’t be scheduled through a provider’s office. Members can consult their doctor to determine whether they are eligible for an additional dose if they are unsure.
Members can also sign up on My Turn, California’s COVID-19 vaccine scheduling portal, to be notified when vaccine appointments are available.
As a reminder, Sutter Health Plus covers COVID-19 vaccines, including the third dose, for our members, even if it is administered out-of-network.
Safety Protocols
With the increasing vaccine supply, the total number of Californians fully vaccinated against COVID-19 now tops 65%, according to the state.
To maximize protection from the COVID-19 delta variant and prevent possibly spreading COVID-19 to others, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask indoors in public settings—regardless of vaccination status.
Additional Resources
For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit:
- Sutter Health Plus COVID-19 Coverage, Cost and Access to Care for health plan information and FAQs
- Sutter Health COVID-19 Resources for clinical information, a COVID-19 interactive screener, patient information, and more
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for federal guidance, U.S. data tracking, and public health information
- California Department of Public Health for California-specific alerts, data tracking, resources and guidance
