August 20, 2021 3:40 a.m. 

Aviva Health is now offering third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to individuals who are immunocompromised.

A release said that follows authorization from the Food and Drug Administration and the Oregon Health Authority that certain people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can receive a third dose of the mRNA vaccines.

The release said OHA explicitly pointed to the difference between a booster and a third dose. Boosters are typically given when immunity has diminished. On the other hand, the third dose provides greater immunity to people whose existing medical conditions may inhibit strong protection from the first two doses.

Aviva Health Vice President of Community Health Christin Rutledge said, “The delta COVID-19 is devastating Douglas County right now”. She said its vitally important that eligible immunocompromised individuals get this third dose of these vaccines, “…which have proven to decrease hospitalization, transmission and death”.

Aviva said eligible individuals must have received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days prior to the third dose and meet a number of criteria. Those are detailed by going to https://aviva.health/.

Rutledge also urged individuals who are still unvaccinated to get the shot. She said, “People in our community are dying and the health care system is being overwhelmed. The best pathway out of this dire situation is to protect yourself and the community through vaccinations, which time and again has proven to be safe and effective”.

Rutledge said herd immunity will be reached either through vaccination uptake or spread of the virus. She said, “There’s the fast, safe way, and the painful way, and for the sake of the people of Douglas County I hope we choose fast and safe”.

For details about the availability of third doses for those who quality, call Aviva at 672-9596.