Well done to those of you who waited the 2 weeks I recommended, so we could get the rest of the facts on the boosters before making a decision.
Knee jerk reactions to “breaking news” really is no way to manage your health!
Now you and your physician can choose what is best for you, with all the data available, always the best strategy.
Here are some basic guidelines.
If you feel that you need more information or just want to sit down and discuss your particular situation please feel free to make an appointment.
I could have paraphrased the article below but I did not because I think it is very clear and self explanatory.
At the end of the day I would say that in general, if you want to take an mRNA booster choose Moderna because it lasts longer. It doesn’t matter which vaccine you got the first time.
I still lean towards vector borne vaccines for young children even though they haven't yet received the EUA for this.
If you got a J and J vaccine go ahead and get the second one.
Last, but not least, it is not really clear when the Moderna vaccine needs to be boosted especially without underlying conditions. I think the 6 month recommendation was somewhat arbitrary and more based on the need for a Pfizer booster after 6 months.
“FDA Authorizes Boosters for Moderna, J&J, Allows Mix-and-Match” (Medscape article)
Brenda Goodman, MA
October 20, 2021
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized booster doses for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, while also allowing boosters to be given interchangeably with any of the other vaccines, in people who are eligible to get them.
The move to amend the Emergency Use Authorization for these vaccines gives the vaccine experts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices latitude to recommended a mix-and-match strategy, if they feel the science supports it.
The committee convenes tomorrow for a day-long meeting to make its recommendations for additional doses.
People who've previously received two doses of the Moderna mRNA vaccine, which is now called Spikevax, are eligible for a third dose of any COVID-19 vaccine if they are 6 months past their second dose and are:
- 65 years of age or older
- 18 to 64 years of age and at high risk for severe COVID-19 because of an underlying health condition
- 18 to 64 years of age and at high risk for exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus because they live in a group setting, such as a prison or care home, or work in a risky occupation, such as healthcare
People who've previously received a dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a second dose of any COVID-19 vaccine if they are over the age of 18 and at least 2 months past their vaccination.
"Today's actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic," said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, MD, in a news release. "As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death.
"The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated. The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease."
On a different note:
FYI To accommodate patients who have gone back to work we will be extending our Tuesday hours.
Appointments will be available from 11 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays. We will also be available in the Laurel office on the first Saturday of the month.
