5 Comments

Is it known whether the J&J vaccine plus a J&J booster protect against serious illness from the Omicron variants, especially given BA.5's immune evasion abilities? I'm trying to get my 40-year-old (healthy and fit) son to get an mRNA booster, but he's resisting.

Expand full comment
author

The priority is getting boosted. If he is unwilling to get boosted with either Pfizer or Moderna, J&J is better than nothing. CDC data shows that individuals who are vaccinated have better outcomes overall. Obviously, the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are more efficacious than J&J, but (again) getting two shots of J&J, the first/primary shot + a booster, is definitely better than nothing. Encourage the booster shot even if it is J&J.

Expand full comment

Novavax .... If one is fully vaccinated ( with boosters ) with Moderna could one get Novavax ( due to being another school of vaccination ) and be protected that way?

Expand full comment
author

Right now Novavax has been authorized for use as a two-dose primary series. The original trial of the vaccine (data presented to FDA a few weeks ago and will be shared at ACIP meeting on Tuesday) was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 2 dose primary series. That said, the company that makes Novavax announced in March that it was participating in a clinical trial to assess adding a Novavax booster and using Novavax as a booster for existing vaccines (https://ir.novavax.com/2022-03-25-Novavax-Announces-Participation-in-Two-Booster-Studies-Using-its-COVID-19-Vaccine). More information is also available here -- https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/analysis/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-booster/

If CDC discusses it next week, I'll be sure to let you know. Or you can watch the ACIP meeting yourself!

Expand full comment

Thanks for info. Stay safe.

Expand full comment