The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week authorization of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots, as well as the flexibility to mix-and-match vaccines.
Because of this announcement, millions of more Americans just became eligible for COVID-19 booster shots. Figuring out if you’re eligible and which shot you should get can be a taxing process, though.
Here is what you need to know about the newly authorized boosters, why the FDA and CDC have said its OK to mix-and-match vaccines in some instances, and when you should do it.
The CDC says those who receive the first shot of an initial two-shot series of the COVID vaccine either through Pfizer or Moderna should still stick to the same brand for their second shot.
As of Thursday, the CDC is allowing eligible individuals to choose which vaccine they want to receive as a booster dose, creating an opportunity for mixing and matching of vaccine doses.
White House chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci recommends sticking with the original vaccine for your booster shot, if it is available.
“It’s generally recommended that you get the booster that is the original regimen that you got in the first place,” Fauci said in an interview with CNN on Friday. “But for one reason or other — and there may be different circumstances with people, availability or just different personal choices — you can, as we say, mix and match.”
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy also had similar comments.
“If you got a Pfizer/Moderna and if you did well with your primary series, I think it’s quite reasonable to stick with what you got originally,” Murthy said in an interview with CNBC.
The CDC said Pfizer and Moderna boosters are available for the following groups who had their initial vaccine course at least 6 months ago:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For the nearly 15 million people who received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine, booster shots are recommended for those 18 and older who received their shot at least two months ago, according to the agency.
Related stories about COVID-19:
How to get a COVID booster shot at CVS or Walgreens
COVID breakthrough cases: What to know about symptoms, length, quarantine, long-term effects
The side effects to look out for if you get a COVID booster shot
Vaccination schedule for children: When can kids under 12 get the COVID vaccine?
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com
Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
"about" - Google News
October 23, 2021 at 03:00PM
https://ift.tt/30K3508
Should I mix-and-match COVID vaccines? What to know about the newly approved boosters - NJ.com
"about" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2MjBJUT
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Should I mix-and-match COVID vaccines? What to know about the newly approved boosters - NJ.com"
Post a Comment