A vaccination question

[PJMcK]

My wife and I both received the two doses of the Moderna vaccine back in January and February. Now, she’s back to teaching young kids and wants to get a booster shot.

Since Moderna’s booster isn’t available yet, can she mix it up and get the Pfizer shot? To me, it seems like mixing different chemistry and biology but I’m not a scientist.

Thanks, in advance.

[luvs2sing]

1. My primary care doc..

and Hubster’s oncologist both say not to mix them. They also think the Moderna booster should be approved in the next couple of weeks.

[PJMcK]

5. Thanks!

That’s obviously what I thought and I’ll suggest it to my wife.

[Throck]

2. In Canada they are.

However that is due to an overall vaccine shortage.

[PJMcK]

6. Interesting

Thank you.

[hlthe2b]

3. Moderna & J&J boosters to be discussed Oct 14-15 by FDA. Discussions and review of data on

"mixing and matching" will begin shortly thereafter.

Until such recs are released by FDA and subsequent recommendations by CDC-ACIP, no provider is authorized to give a non-matching dose--nor even to booster J&J or Moderna.

Sit tight. Wear your mask. It is coming (and yes, I do appreciate the frustration). Absolutely.

[PJMcK]

7. Great advice

It mirrors my thoughts. What a mess.

Thanks for your help!

[Lochloosa]

4. My pharmacist's gave me a third shot of Moderna.

Or, just fudge a little and have her act like she's getting her first shot. There is nit a national data base so there's no way for them to know.

My third shot was uneventful other than a little tiredness and sore arm. Gone in two days. Same as my second shot.

[PJMcK]

8. Do you have to show up for the second dose? (n/t)

[Lochloosa]

9. Nope.

[SouthernIrish]

10. No

The CDC recommends not mixing the vaccines.

[PJMcK]

11. Yep

Thank you!

[Maru Kitteh]

12. I have heard Dr. Fauci say that he thinks the mRNA vacs can be mixed,

and might actually be beneficial. Heard the same from Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. John Reiner. All of them said this with the caveat "but we need to wait for the data."

So that's the first thing. There is no reason I have heard why Pfizer and Moderna should not be mixed. If anything, any slight difference in immune response would likely be of benefit.

For the record, I'm not a virologist or an MD, I am an infection control RN.

Second thing: Because Pfizer is a fully approved medication now, it can be prescribed for what is called 'off label" use. This would include being used as a 3rd dose vaccine to complete a regimen started with Moderna. It's already being done all over the country - it just depends on whether or not you can find a willing pharmacist or your regular provider will agree to prescribe it.

As an infection control nurse, I test hundreds of people every week. I test positive, vaccinated cases every single week. My general advice to everyone is GET YOUR BOOSTER AS SOON AS YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON ONE.

When did your wife receive her 2nd dose of vaccine?

[PJMcK]

14. Thanks for your insights

My wife and I received our second doses of Moderna in early February so we're both due for a booster.

I asked her to check with her do actor before she did anything.

[ProfessorGAC]

13. Too Soon

As a Moderna recipient, I share your enthusiasm.
But, there is insufficient information yet as to whether this is ok or a bad idea.
Technically speaking, it seems like it will be ok, but I'm willing to wait until the experts say go.
By then, I'll be a few weeks from the recommended time period, and Moderna boosters might be ok'd as well.
Since i retired, i substitute teach, but the grades I teach means 90% of the kids are vax eligible. So, my risk is lower than someone working with grades 1-4.

[PJMcK]

15. Thanks for your thoughts

I asked my wife to ask her doctor before she scheduled an injection.