International Community Health Services - ICHS | Seattle

Second doses for primary series

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are both two-dose vaccines. It is very important that you receive your second dose in order to be fully vaccinated. ICHS will schedule your second dose after your first shot 21 days later at the same location.

Additional dose for immunocompromised

The FDA and CDC have authorized third doses for anyone who has been vaccinated with either Pfizer or Moderna shots and has a compromised immune system due to chronic illnesses, transplant surgery or cancer treatment, among others.

This is because some immunocompromised people did not mount a good response to the vaccine. A third shot of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), which is identical to the first two doses, ensures that they are protected.

CDC recommends that a third dose is received at least 28 days after completing a previous two-dose series. A person’s primary care provider is best positioned to determine whether a third dose is appropriate, as well as when it should be given.

ICHS administers Pfizer as an additional dose for immunocompromised. ICHS does not administer Moderna or Johnson & Johnson for additional doses.

Everyone ages 5 and older should get a booster shot

The CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. Public health experts have found that protection from initial doses decreases over time. A booster shot improves your immunity and protection from COVID-19.

The case for COVID-19 Booster Shots

Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with variants may decrease over time and be less effective against the Omicron variant. However, a booster vaccine dose can increase protection against symptomatic Omicron infection from about 35% to 76% and can have even higher effectiveness at preventing hospitalizations and death.

After completing the primary series, some moderately or severely immunocompromised people should get an additional primary shot. Everyone ages 5 and older can get a booster after they have had their primary vaccine series. 

A second booster shot is now recommended for the following groups:

• Anyone age 50 and older may get a 2nd booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster

• Anyone age 18 and older with certain medical conditions may get a second booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster- Moderna COVID-19 shot.

• Anyone age 12 and older with certain medical conditions may get a second booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster- Pfizer COVID-19 shot.

'Mixing and Matching'

After reviewing vaccine safety and effectiveness data, the CDC has found that “mixing and matching” a different booster shot from your original vaccination is safe and effective. For example, someone who was vaccinated with Moderna may choose to get a Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson booster. ICHS administers Pfizer for booster shots. ICHS does not administer Moderna or Johnson & Johnson for booster doses.

ICHS patients

ICHS patients should call (206) 788-3700 to schedule an appointment at either the ICHS Bellevue, Holly Park, International District or Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinics.

For more information

• COVID-19 vaccination walk-ups and appointments are available at the Auburn General Services Administration.
  • Organized by Public Health - Seattle & King County.
  • Offering boosters, first and second doses for adults and kids.
  • Open seven days a week, 12:00pm to 7:00pm
• Visit the Public Health – Seattle & King County website for the latest information and updates about vaccine development and distribution.
• Visit the Washington State Department of Health's vaccine locator to find other COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
• Take a look at our vaccine updates and FAQ to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and help answer common questions.