COVID-19 vaccination does work in people with impaired immunity (immunocompromised patients), but is sometimes less effective. In some severely immunocompromised patients, two vaccinations are not sufficient. This video answers three questions about the third vaccination.
3 Questions about a third jab
3 questions about a third jab
Spreaker: R. Grootens, Senior Policy Advisor at RIVM.
R. GROOTENS: Research shows that some people who have severely impaired immunity may be able to build up better protection against COVID-19 by getting a third jab.
VISUAL: 3 questions about a third jab.
VISUAL: Who is eligible for a third jab?
R. GROOTENS: Research on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in people with impaired immunity shows that these vaccines work very well for most people. We see in these studies that there are small groups of patients who do not develop effective protection, such as people who have had an organ transplant. Not all of these patients develop effective protection after two vaccinations. Those people could be offered a third jab, so they will hopefully build up better protection. The RIVM website has more information on exactly which people are involved.
VISUAL: RIVM website.
VISUAL: How was it decided who would be eligible for a third jab?
R. GROOTENS: The groups of people eligible for a third jab were selected based on a number of Dutch research studies among these patients, as well as international data and recommendations. The information was reviewed by a working group of medical specialists representing professional associations, which also included some of the researchers involved in the Dutch studies. On that basis, a list was compiled of patients who may need a third jab, and who could also benefit from a third jab.
VISUAL: Why is a third vaccination only provided to these people?
R. GROOTENS: We see that COVID-19 vaccination usually requires two doses of the vaccine. And sometimes one dose, for the Janssen vaccine. After that, you have built up effective protection against serious illness from COVID-19. But we are seeing that those two jabs are not actually enough for these people to build up effective protection. That is why we are offering them a third vaccination, which we hope will help them achieve better protection. This third dose is not the same as offering an extra vaccination to everyone. That would be called a booster vaccination.
VISUAL: More information? www.rivm.nl/en/covid-19-vaccination
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