CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As COVID-19 cases increase in the state, a Charlotte man didn’t hesitate to get a booster shot. 

 

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Bryan Long received the COVID-19 booster shot 

The CDC recommends those immunocompromised, including people with organ transplants, should get an additional dose of the vaccine

Booster shots are expected to be available for all Americans Sept. 20 

 

Bryan Long received a kidney transplant in 2019 from a living donor, making him part of the group recommended to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Long has Fabry Disease — a genetic condition that can lead to kidney failure, heart disease or stroke. 

Bryan Long received a booster shot to help protect himself against the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend that moderately to severely immunocompromised people get a booster shot. Some of the groups of people who are advised to receive a third dose are those with an organ transplant and people with a stem cell transplant within the last two years who are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.

The CDC also states those undergoing cancer treatment, receiving treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and advanced or untreated HIV infection may benefit from an additional dose.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for immunocompromised.

Novant Health’s Senior Vice President and Chief Safety, Quality and Epidemiology Officer Dr. David Priest said the booster shot is particularly important as the delta variant spreads.

“They often, if they were vaccinated, they didn't have this same response that someone with a normal immune system did, they didn't make antibodies in the same way. Their T-cells didn’t respond to the vaccine, and that’s left them vulnerable,” Priest said.

Long went to get the booster shot as soon as he was able.

Long, who received the first two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the spring, said his antibodies were low.

“I’m going to do anything I can to protect me and this brand new kidney that I waited for and that someone so generously gave to me,” Long said.

In addition, he said he would like the chance to see friends and family again. He’s remained mostly at home to prevent contracting COVID-19.

“With these shots, I feel like I have a chance. I feel like there is hope,” Long said.

Both Novant and Atrium Health are offering booster shots. Booster shots for all Americans are expected to roll out on Sept. 20.