With expanded access to coronavirus boosters approved and vaccinations for younger kids on the horizon, family physicians are fielding phone calls from people eager to get the shots. But this round of vaccinations is more complicated than the last — with mix-and-match possibilities between different vaccine brands, different dosage sizes and varying rules about exactly who qualifies for which booster.
It all means that many health care providers will spend a few days training staff before they can start putting shots in arms.
Everyone who got J&J’s single-shot vaccine can get a second dose at least two months after their original vaccination, according to the FDA rules. Those who were originally vaccinated with Pfizer can get a booster if they are 65 or older and their last dose was at least six months ago. Those aged 18 and older who live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions or who live or work in high-risk settings can also get a booster. Both the Johson and Johnson and Pfizer boosters are the same dose as the original shots.
Moderna recipients can also get a booster six months after their last shot if they are 65 or older or if they are at high risk of COVID-19 because of job, health or living conditions. But Moderna’s booster dose is half the size as the one used for the original shots.
And people can mix-and-match the brands they use for their boosters if needed. (AP)
