Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

COVID-19

Third doses start to roll out for immunocompromised residents

Oct 13, 2021 | 4:36 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops residents who are immunocompromised are enthusiastically rolling up their sleeves to get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I have rheumatoid arthritis. So, I got my text about a week ago, and here I am, ready to have it done,” said Carol Frost, a third vaccine recipient.

The third dose will give Frost more protection, which will give her the same level of defense as the average person.

“I feel more protected,” Frost said. “I protect my mom, who is quite a bit older, and my grandchildren – and to me that’s what’s important. And myself,” Frost said.

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Interior Health says statistics show that the majority of vaccinated people who are ending up in hospital are immune compromised, indicating that they need more protection.

“The reason for this is because people who have had a transplanted organ from someone else’s body is always on immune suppressors, so their body doesn’t reject that organ. People who are on chemotherapy – we know that chemotherapy for cancer, for example, supresses the immune system,” Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton says.

Also on the list of third-dose recipients are people with genetic immune deficiencies and people who have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Anyone else with a compromised immune system can have their family doctor or specialist fill out a form to request a third shot.

Frost says she’s spent the last 18 months with worry.

“You spend more time at home, more time with just your cohorts. There’s no hospital auxiliary, no hospital auxiliary functions, dinners. None of the stuff that I love to do,” Frost said.

Now, with her third dose, Frost says she will feel more at ease.

“It does make me feel more relaxed, absolutely. I feel like I can not worry quite so much when I come to Aberdeen Mall or go to the grocery store,” she said.