Three Things Thursday

Everything you need to know about the new COVID boosters

Given that we are living through THREE global health emergencies (COVID, polio, and monkeypox), new vaccines are being approved, new outbreaks are occurring, and the reality that being healthy is truly a radical selfless act of loving others (read: we need to redefine what it means to be healthy), “Three Things Thursday” highlights three things I am paying attention to as an epidemiologist each week.

Hoping these posts help to educate and empower you to be healthy and create healthy communities.

Here we go… Three Things Thursday.

I am finally COVID negative

After twelve days of testing positive for COVID, I am finally COVID negative. I have returned to work, am back in the classroom, and (most importantly) am back in the yoga studio. The rest of my family is also testing negative.

Celebrating my husband’s first negative COVID test in more than a week.

A couple of thoughts post-COVID — first, COVID is no joke. I was pretty sick with a sore throat, laryngitis, and headache for about 3 days. Despite my symptoms improving after just a couple of days, it took nearly two weeks for me to clear the virus and test negative. And while I feel back to normal, my voice has not returned to its normal strength. It is still scratchy. I still do not sound like myself.

Throughout my illness, I was ever-so-thankful that I was vaccinated. My symptoms were mild and I never felt at risk for severe illness. I am so grateful to have recovered. And for COVID to be behind me. Hopefully, my voice returns to full strength soon…

New COVID Booster Shots

Last Thursday (after hours and hours of presentations, questions, and debate) the CDC approved the use of the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots made by Pfizer and Moderna. Here’s what you need to know about the booster —

Everyone (who is eligible) should get boosted.

Boosters are necessary. They are also safe.

Quick note — only the new bivalent booster shot is available. You cannot request the old booster shot if you are eligible for the new booster shot. Image source.

Booster shot recommendations
~from your epi mama

The new vaccine contains the mRNA of the ancestral/original SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the BA.4/BA.5 variant that is currently circulating worldwide. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for individuals 12 years old and older; Moderna for individuals over 18. And you are allowed to get the vaccine two months after a previous shot.

HOWEVER — after listening to the ACIP last week and reading this research,
I would strongly recommend waiting at least 3 months after a previous shot or infection.

For me, this means since I just had COVID, I will be waiting 3-4 months before I get my booster shot. For friends who haven’t had COVID recently or had their last booster shot a few months ago, go get your booster now. And while you are at it,
get your flu shot. You can get both shots in one day (I recommend one in each arm!).

A couple of other recommendations — there is (some) evidence that mixing-and-matching vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) provides some additional immunologic benefits. I would suggest getting boosted with Moderna if you’ve had a few Pfizer shots (or vice versa). One exception… if you are a male under 30, I would strongly recommend getting the Pfizer booster. The Pfizer booster has a lower dose of the mRNA (compared to Moderna) and will theoretically reduce the (small) risk of myocarditis.

Do you have other questions about the new booster shot? Please ask.

The most important thing to know —
You should get both your COVID booster
and annual flu shot as soon as you are eligible.