For those who have already gotten their third dose and are concerned about these new approvals, let me clarify what I know:
You got your 3rd dose the way you are allowed get it. There is no issue with when you received it or the dosage given. What hasn't been approved by the CDC to my understanding is a "regular" 3rd booster for Moderna (like the one Pfizer is currently approved for) . Moderna would like that one to be a half dose not full dose.
People with other underlying medical conditions are currently approved for only Pfizer.
Immune compromised individuals (who categorized differently than people with underlying medical conditions, even though they have an underlying medical condition) can get either Moderna or Pfizer.
As I write this, the FDA and Moderna are not seeing eye to eye on a 3rd dose for the general population or any population other than immune compromised individuals. Of course the FDA and CDC didn't see eye about the approval categories for Pfizer either. We shall see what ultimately happens for Moderna boosters. (Actually, I don't know what is considered a booster or just a 3rd dose anymore. That terminology is even more confusing to accurately figure out).
From the CDC:
- CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccineor Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- Age 18+ who live in high-risk settings
The live and work in high-risk settings category (for Pfizer) is so broad and it's that way by design given the back and forth on approval. If you got Pfizer for your first two doses they can't technically ask you to elaborate on which of the categories or health factors you fall under so if you want a third dose you can go get it.
Just a couple of points for the side effect database:
My husband and I both got our third Pfizer vaxxes Monday morning (Two days ago). The only side effect I have had is some minor soreness local to the vaccination site, and that's about gone at this time. For me, the COVID booster was no worse than a flu shot. I was pleasantly surprised.
On the other hand, my husband had an entire sore upper arm and woke up with chills last night. Nevertheless, he was fine in the morning. We're glad we got it done.
I also just had a lot of soreness. Arm and some leg soreness, then gone within a few days. No flu symptoms, for which I was grateful.
In the news, Japan mysteriously sees a COVID-19 success.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/vaccines-masks-japan-puzzling-sudden-virus-success-80637112
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@enkasongwriter Thanks for linking this great news story. It is wonderful how the country turned things around quickly. They had severe spikes in covid, and then authorities held a rapid vaccination program that brought it to 70 percent vaccinated quite quickly. The people cooperated, the youth emptied out of the bars and restaurants. Also bad weather kept people indoors during the late summer. It reminds me of something that happened in NYC back in the early 1980's when water reservoirs were very low and the Mayor ran a public information campaign to get people to reduce water use and plug leaks. Virtually overnight, water consumption plummeted. It showed how a tightly knit population can rise to the occasion. I hope for the Japanese, that the low Covid incidence continues.
Tonight live on air while discussing the death of Colin Powell from Covid and Powell being immunocompromised, CNN's John King shared a secret he has been keeping. He has Multiple Sclerosis and is also immunocompromised. He then proceeded to thank CNN for having a policy requiring vaccines and said he was grateful everyone around him was also vaccinated.
It was very powerful to watch. Perhaps the death of Powell and the bravery of King will make a difference. Perhaps more lives will be save.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/media/john-king-multiple-sclerosis/index.html
@lovendures That was powerful. I loved the way it ended, with him saying, it's not about celebrities' deaths. Everyone we have lost is a national treasure. it's about the 750,000 treasures in our country who have died.
My husband got his third dose today (Pfizer). I asked the nurse about it and, according to her, it was not a variant-specific vaccine. It was simply the same as the first two shots. Am I missing something? I though these were vaccines for the various variants, including the omnipresent Delta.
Yes Jeanne. Such a beautiful statement from King.
I also just read that Neil Cavuto , anchor at Fox News who also has M.S. and just tested positive for Covid today.
Here is his VERY powerful statement. I give him a lot of credit for making it.
About the boosters...this might help.
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/22687728/delta-specific-booster-vaccine-covid