Extra (third) vaccination against COVID-19 for immunocompromised and oncology patients
Based on the report from the Knowledge Centre, as from 17 August 2021, the decision has been made in Belgium to invite persons 12 years and older, who have reduced immunity due to a certain condition or treatment, for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to optimise their prior vaccinations against the virus. For these patients, the third dose is part of the baseline vaccination (necessary base protection against the risk of severe complications if infected with COVID-19).
The extra dose is for an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer). Persons who received the Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca vaccine can also receive their extra dose of an mRNA vaccine without any problem.
Who is it for?
The following patients are eligible:
- patients who have congenital defects;
- patients who receive chronic renal dialysis;
- patients who have inflammatory diseases and who take medication to suppress their immune system (e.g. Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis);
- patients who are being treated for cancer or who have received treatment within the past three years;
- stem cell and organ transplant patients, including before the procedure;
- HIV patients for whom the number of CD4 cells are lower than 200 per mm³ blood.
The lists of eligible persons are prepared by the Cancer Registry, insurance institutions and the general practitioners. Refer to the list at www.myhealthviewer.be or at https://www.mijngezondheid.belgie.be.
When?
The invitation for the vaccination
During the week of 13 September, the invitations for the third vaccination dose were sent by post to all those who qualify.
Did you not receive an invitation? Then you do not belong to a risk group and the base vaccination of two doses protects you sufficiently against the risk of severe complications if infected with COVID-19.
Vaccination
Starting on 20 September, the extra dose will be administered in the vaccination centres that are still open.
Some bed-ridden patients or people with strict medical indications (psychiatric disorders, disability) are eligible for vaccination at home. All chronic renal dialysis patients will be vaccinated at their dialysis centre.
Do you think you may be eligible for vaccination at home? Contact your GP after receiving your invitation.
Based on the report from the Knowledge Centre, as from 17 August 2021, the decision has been made in Belgium to invite persons 12 years and older, who have reduced immunity due to a certain condition or treatment, for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to optimise their prior vaccinations against the virus. For these patients, the third dose is part of the baseline vaccination (necessary base protection against the risk of severe complications if infected with COVID-19).
The extra dose is for an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer). Persons who received the Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca vaccine can also receive their extra dose of an mRNA vaccine without any problem.
Who is it for?
The following patients are eligible:
- patients who have congenital defects;
- patients who receive chronic renal dialysis;
- patients who have inflammatory diseases and who take medication to suppress their immune system (e.g. Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis);
- patients who are being treated for cancer or who have received treatment within the past three years;
- stem cell and organ transplant patients, including before the procedure;
- HIV patients for whom the number of CD4 cells are lower than 200 per mm³ blood.
The lists of eligible persons are prepared by the Cancer Registry, insurance institutions and the general practitioners. Refer to the list at www.myhealthviewer.be or at https://www.mijngezondheid.belgie.be.
When?
The invitation for the vaccination
During the week of 13 September, the invitations for the third vaccination dose were sent by post to all those who qualify.
Did you not receive an invitation? Then you do not belong to a risk group and the base vaccination of two doses protects you sufficiently against the risk of severe complications if infected with COVID-19.
Vaccination
Starting on 20 September, the extra dose will be administered in the vaccination centres that are still open.
Some bed-ridden patients or people with strict medical indications (psychiatric disorders, disability) are eligible for vaccination at home. All chronic renal dialysis patients will be vaccinated at their dialysis centre.
Do you think you may be eligible for vaccination at home? Contact your GP after receiving your invitation.
