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A third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will now be recommended and is accessible for severely immunocompromised people aged 12 and older.

The availability comes as the severely immunocompromised group is at higher risk when they catch the virus. After receiving two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, some may not produce a robust immune response, which is why a third dose is beneficial.

The third dose can be administered at least eight weeks after the second dose.

Source: CC/ Ministry of Health [Government newswire]

Jo Gibbs, National Director of Covid-19 Vaccination and Immunisation Programme, says accessibility will essentially be granted for a set group and not widely expanded to the population.

“The eligibility criteria to access a third primary dose is complex and applies to only the group of people who are severely immunocompromised,” she said.

“Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria will need to be prescribed a third dose by their GP or other specialist and present the script when accessing the third primary dose.”

A number of studies have been carefully considered according to the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Group in order to make recommendations to the group.

Eligibility requirements have been published by the Ministry of Health that must be met to qualify for an initial third dose to be administered.

Image: SUPPLIED/CC-Ministry of Health [Government newswire- license applicable]

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