COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Updated: August 25, 2021

FDA Fully Approved First COVID-19 Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (now marketed as Comirnaty) for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. This vaccine has met the high standards for safety and efficacy as well was manufacturing quality that is required before full FDA approval.

Fox Chase encourages those who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to take this lifesaving step to get vaccinated, protecting not only yourself, but those around you.

Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised Patients

The FDA has authorized a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccines for some people with weakened immune systems. Based on this authorization, Fox Chase Cancer Center patients who are at risk of an incomplete immune response from their initial two doses, or those who are currently at heightened risk because they are immunocompromised, will be eligible to receive a third dose at Temple University Hospital - Jeanes Campus or Temple University Hospital – Main Campus. 

These patients should receive the third dose of the vaccine at least 28 days following the two-dose regimen of the same mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna.) There is not enough data to support giving immunocompromised patients an additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at this time. The FDA and CDC continue to evaluate this and will provide a recommendation when possible.

Patients with the following conditions may be eligible:

Fox Chase encourages those who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to take this lifesaving step to get vaccinated, protecting not only yourself, but those around you.

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, etc.)
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderately or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response (such as monoclonal antibodies, etc.)
  • Been receiving chronic hemodialysis
  • Chronic rheumatologic conditions requiring immunocompromising treatment (such as steroids, monoclonal antibodies, etc.)

Fully vaccinated individuals who are not immunocompromised should not get a third dose of the vaccine at this time.

If you are a Fox Chase patient who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be notified when it is your turn to schedule your vaccine appointment by phone, email, the myTempleHealth (formerly myFoxChase), or during your next appointment. 

Unfortunately, we cannot specify exactly when you will be contacted. We continue to appreciate your patience.

For more information on the third vaccine dose for certain immunocompromised individuals:

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