For folks like myself interested in micro-optimizations that are very likely meaningless, but are nonetheless fun to think about: It’s probably better to mix up boosters, right?
Currently scheduling the parents for theirs while I’m visiting (rather than trying to time it) and the current plan is to switch to Moderna from a history of only Pfizer. My understanding is the conventional wisdom is that it might be marginally better to get different vaccines instead of all one brand. The potential downside is they’ve both had excellent zero side-effect reactions from Pfizer, so switching to Moderna may be another roll-of-the-dice with side effects. Though I haven’t looked at data as to whether side effects tend to differ between brands.
I fully realize the real answer is, it doesn’t matter, but I’m on the web site and it’s asking my which vaccine to get. I’m being forced to pick. It just feels silly to make a choice here without any recommendation, as a completely arbitrary decision.
Consider mixing your fourth dose. If you got three doses of Pfizer then get Moderna for your fourth dose. Or vice versa.
While Moderna and Pfizer are both mRNA vaccines, they are not identical and have subtle but meaningful differences. (See my previous post: Moderna vs. Pfizer: Is there a difference?)
This was confirmed yesterday from another peer-reviewed study. Scientists found that while the two different shots have the same impact on neutralizing antibodies, they have a different impact on Fc-functional antibodies, which target the whole surface of the spike protein. They also had a different impact on T-cell mechanisms. If you mix vaccines you have the potential to maximize protection.
If you’re not sure which to go for, or already mixed, I recommend defaulting to Moderna for additional doses. It seems to have slightly better durability.
Both the parents are now 4th shot Moderna-fied. Interestingly, my mother had never had side effects from Pfizer doses but Moderna did produce one night of mild body aches.
For folks like myself interested in micro-optimizations that are very likely meaningless, but are nonetheless fun to think about: It’s probably better to mix up boosters, right?
Currently scheduling the parents for theirs while I’m visiting (rather than trying to time it) and the current plan is to switch to Moderna from a history of only Pfizer. My understanding is the conventional wisdom is that it might be marginally better to get different vaccines instead of all one brand. The potential downside is they’ve both had excellent zero side-effect reactions from Pfizer, so switching to Moderna may be another roll-of-the-dice with side effects. Though I haven’t looked at data as to whether side effects tend to differ between brands.
I fully realize the real answer is, it doesn’t matter, but I’m on the web site and it’s asking my which vaccine to get. I’m being forced to pick. It just feels silly to make a choice here without any recommendation, as a completely arbitrary decision.
Recommendation to mix: https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/fourth-dose-q-and-a?s=r
If you’re not sure which to go for, or already mixed, I recommend defaulting to Moderna for additional doses. It seems to have slightly better durability.
Both the parents are now 4th shot Moderna-fied. Interestingly, my mother had never had side effects from Pfizer doses but Moderna did produce one night of mild body aches.