© 2024 90.7 WMFE. All Rights Reserved.
90.7 Orlando • 89.5 Ocala
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

AdventHealth's Dr. Vincent Hsu Says Kids 12 and Up, Who are Especially Vulnerable to COVID, Should Be Eligible To Get the Booster This Fall

Photo: Dr. Vincent Hsu
Photo: Dr. Vincent Hsu

These include children who are cancer patients.

Children 12 and up who are immunosuppressed, undergoing cancer treatment or organ recipients will be able to get the Pfizer or Moderna booster shot in Central Florida soon.

AdventHealth's Dr. Vincent Hsu says these third shots should be available as early as September.

“If a child who is under 18 for example has a very weakened immune system because they have cancer, or they require certain types of medications to suppress their immune system, they would be eligible for a third dose just like everyone else.”

[audio mp3="https://www.wmfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/13001-KIDS.mp3"][/audio]

Hsu says patients should consult with their doctor about when to get the shot as certain medications might make it harder for their body to generate antibodies against COVID.

“Because sometimes when you’re getting chemotherapy or you’re getting medications, you can time them so that your immune system is more active and get your dose at a certain time as opposed to another time when medications cause your immune system to be a little more depressed.”

[audio mp3="https://www.wmfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/13002_KIDS_DANIELLE.mp3"][/audio]

Hsu says adults who are especially vulnerable to the virus will also be eligible to get the third shot this fall.

Danielle Prieur is WMFE's education reporter.