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Central Florida doctor believes J&J COVID-19 vaccine booster should be made available

ORLANDO, Fla. — A Central Florida physician will recommend his patients with a compromised immune system to get a second dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Last week, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they are not sure if that should happen just yet.

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But the CDC is recommending a third shot for immunocompromised people who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The local doctor said he doesn’t think getting a second dose of the J&J shot will create problems.

He said with the number of COVID-19 patients in the hospitals around Central Florida, he believes it might be better for immunocompromised people to get that second dose.

On Friday, the CDC authorized COVID-19 booster shots for immunocompromised people, but the guidance did not include the J&J vaccine.

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CDC officials said they are not sure if a second J&J dose, in this case, will be effective. But infectious disease specialist Dr. Aftab Khan said he doesn’t agree.

On Saturday, Seminole County Emergency Management officials said they will roll out Pfizer and Moderna booster shots for the immunocompromised starting Tuesday.

Osceola County Health Department officials said they are waiting on guidance from the state before making a decision.

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Khan said he worries waiting for immunocompromised patients will be risky.

Seminole County Emergency Management officials said they will not be offering immunocompromised people a second dose of the J&J vaccine at any of their upcoming events.

They advised anyone who wants a second dose to get in touch with their physician.

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