COVID-19 Guidance for People
with Weakened Immune Systems
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get very sick
from COVID-19.
Your immune system is the system
in your body that helps fight off infections.
If your immune system is weakened, that means it's harder
for your body to fight off viruses like COVID-19.
Doctors often use the word immunocompromised
to describe people with weakened immune systems.
People with weakened immune systems include:
People with certain health conditions, like some types of cancer,
HIV, or DiGeorge syndrome,
and people who are taking certain medicines-
this includes people who are going through cancer treatment,
taking medicine after an organ transplant,
or taking steroids for chronic health conditions.
If you have a weakened immune system- or you live with someone who does-
make a COVID-19 action plan.
To get started, download a blank action plan at T.cdc.gov/PT9
Here's some important information
you may want to include in your action plan.
First, ask your doctor what you can do
to protect yourself from COVID-19.
For example, ask your doctor if they have any special recommendations
about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters based on your health conditions.
If you ever get COVID-19, there are prescription medications
that can help protect you from getting very sick.
It's a good idea to ask your doctor
about taking medicine for COVID-19 now,
so if you ever test positive for COVID-19, you'll know what to do.
Your doctor can decide what type of medicine, if any, is right for you.
Write down your doctor's answers in your COVID-19 action plan.
You can also write down important information like:
your doctor's phone number,
emergency contact numbers,
and any medicines you're taking.
Get all the COVID-19
vaccines your doctor recommends-
and encourage your loved ones to do the same.
To find a vaccine location near you:
Visit Vaccines.gov,
Text your zip code to 438829,
Call 1-800-232-0233,
Or call TTY 888-720-7489.
You can also protect yourself and your loved ones by:
wearing a high quality mask that fits you well,
avoiding crowded indoor spaces when you can,
improving ventilation, or airflow,
when you spend time indoors,
and washing your hands often.
Get some at-home COVID-19 tests now,
so you'll have tests when you need them.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms,
take a test right away.
If you've been around someone who has COVID-19,
but you don't have any symptoms, wait five days
after the last time you saw that person,
then take a test.
Stay home until you find out your test results.
Wear a mask any time you're around others,
even at home.
If your test shows that you have COVID-19,
tell your doctor right away.
Ask your doctor if you should take medicine for COVID-19.
If you don't have a doctor,
you can get treatment at a
Test-to-Treat location near you.
Find a local Test-to-Treat location at
Covid.gov.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room
if you notice emergency warning
signs, like trouble breathing.
Finally, stay at home
until your doctor says it's safe to be around others.
To learn more, visit CDC.gov/Coronavirus.