ΘΕΛΟΥΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ ΣΑΣ. Πολύ σπουδαίο μήνυμα για το εμβόλιο της COVID-19

 Παρασκευή, 27 Αυγούστου, 2021

Χθές μας έστειλαν ηλεκτρονικό μήνυμα από το Massachusetts General Hospital για όσους πήραμε το εμβόλιο και ενημερώνουν ότι όσοι πάσχουν από χρόνιες ασθένειες πρέπει να πάρουν την τρίτη δόση.  Εάν δεν διαβάζεται Αγγλικά, κανένα πρόβλημα.  Πηγαίνετε εδώ στην ιστοσελίδα ψηλά και αριστερά στο πλαίσιο που λέει: SELECT LANGUAGE.  Πάτα το βελάκι και μετά English, αμέσως όλη η ιστοσελίδα θα γυρίσει στην Αγγλική.  Αμέσως, πάλι με το ποντικάκι κτυπάτε το SELECT LANGUAGE όμως αυτή τη φορά θα κτυπήσετε GREEK η άλλη γλώσσα και όλα τα κείμενα & άρθρα θα είναι στην Ελληνική ή στη γλώσσα που επιλέξατε.  ΣΗΜΕΙΩΣΗ: Η ιστοσελίδα μας μεταφράζεται σε πάνω από 100 γλώσσες κατ’ αυτόν τον τρόπο.  Ευχαριστούμε όλους τους αναγνώστες και αναγνώστριες σε διάφορα μέρη του κόσμου που μας παρακολουθούν στη γλώσσα τους.  Να είσαστε καλά.

Αυτή είναι η ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ του Massachusetts General Hospital

There continues to be new information from public health officials about the COVID-19 vaccines. We want to make sure you have the most up-to-date details to help you and your families. Below, please find information about:

• How immunocompromised people who received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna can get their 3rd dose to complete their vaccine series
• The latest information on boosters for non-immunocompromised people who received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna
• The importance of getting the vaccine if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant

3rd doses for immunocompromised people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines: completing your vaccine series

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends a 3rd dose for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Immunocompromised means that the immune system (body's defense system against infection) is weakened.  This 3rd dose is not a booster. It is considered part of the primary vaccine series.

Here is some important information to know about the 3rd dose:

• You can check here for the list of health conditions that qualify
• The 3rd dose should be given at least 28 days after the 2nd dose
• You do not need a doctor's note to get the 3rd dose. You will need to attest to being immunocompromised.
• The CDC recommends that if possible you get the same vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your 3rd dose as you have for the first two. But you may also receive the other vaccine if that is what is available.

You can search vaccines.gov, visit Mass.gov or Vaccines.nh.gov to find a vaccine location near you. You can also text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.

Mass General Brigham is offering 3rd doses of Pfizer with limited availability to immunocompromised patients. You can schedule an appointment using our website. 3rd doses are available at:

• Mass General Brigham Assembly Row in Somerville
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Martha's Vineyard
• Nantucket
• Portsmouth, NH

Boosters for non-immunocompromised who received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna

You may have seen news that the CDC will recommend boosters for those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Boosters are an extra dose of vaccine meant to boost a patient's immune system because of decreased immunity over time. The guidance will likely be that people should receive a booster vaccine 8 months after their initial 2-dose vaccination series was completed. However, boosters have not yet been formally recommended by the CDC or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As such, we are not offering booster vaccines at this time. We will let you know how and when to get a booster when we learn more.

Pregnant People Urged to Get Vaccinated

The number of pregnant people infected with COVID-19 continues to rise. It is important to get vaccinated if you are pregnant. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are at increased risk of pregnancy complications and severe illness. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in pregnancy.

The CDC and multiple professional groups recommend getting COVID-19 vaccines if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If you have questions or concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, talk to your doctor.

We were very pleased that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine on August 23 for individuals 16 years and older. It will now be called Comirnaty. We hope this helps boost confidence in the vaccine for those who have not been vaccinated as we all fight the Delta variant.

Please continue to do everything you can to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Even if you are vaccinated, follow local public health guidelines and get tested if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed. Together, we can turn this around again.