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Vaccine conversations are everywhere these days. People are discussing their vaccine appointments, sharing stories of friends getting vaccinated, and families are finally reuniting after more than a year apart. As reported by the CDC, 19% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 33% having received at least one dose. These vaccines offer a sense of security after a challenging year. However, questions arise: Which vaccine is the best? Which has the fewest side effects? Recently, there’s been a buzz about mixing vaccines — for example, starting with Pfizer and then following up with Moderna. But is this practice safe or effective?
In January, the UK made headlines with a surprising recommendation. If you’ve received one vaccine dose and the second isn’t available, it’s okay to mix vaccines. However, they advise sticking with the same manufacturer whenever possible. Their goal is to vaccinate the population as swiftly as possible. The New York Times highlights that while the UK encourages completing the vaccination series with the original shot, if it’s unavailable, it’s reasonable to use a different one.
Initially, this guidance lacked scientific backing. Clinical trials at the University of Oxford commenced in February, where volunteers received a dose of Pfizer followed by AstraZeneca, or vice versa. These trials aim to determine if mixing vaccines is indeed effective. Without these results, it feels like a game of chance.
In the UK, new vaccines are being developed, with some in clinical trials and others tested in animals. As new vaccines receive approval, the potential for various dose combinations increases. Researchers suggest that using two different vaccines might even yield better results than sticking with one. “We’re on the brink of some fascinating data,” stated Dr. Noah Jensen, an immunologist at the University of Sydney.
The New York Times also mentions that a mix-and-match approach, known as heterologous prime-boost, has been utilized in vaccine trials against diseases like influenza and HIV. However, due to previous constraints, these trials faced challenges. With COVID-19, the situation is different as manufacturers can test their products concurrently.
In the U.S., the CDC has indicated that authorized COVID-19 vaccines “are not interchangeable,” emphasizing that “the safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated.” Therefore, it is recommended to complete both doses with the same vaccine. So, what’s the verdict? Theoretically, it might be safe to mix vaccines, but the answer remains uncertain. Just as the development of vaccines took time, understanding the implications of mixing will require thorough trials.
Steps to Ensure You Receive the Same Vaccine for Your Second Dose
- Keep your vaccination card. You should receive a written record detailing your name, the date, and the vaccine dosage. Hold onto it!
- Register for v-safe, a smartphone tool that allows you to report how you feel after the vaccine and set reminders for your second dose.
- After enrolling in v-safe, sign up for VaxText, a free service that will remind you about your second dose.
- Ensure your immunization record is updated in the Immunization Information System (IIS) and your medical records.
- Schedule your second dose appointment before leaving the vaccination site to help guarantee you receive the same vaccine.
In the meantime, President Biden has announced that by April 19th, all adults will be eligible for vaccination. If you can, get vaccinated for a sense of peace. Adhere to the guidelines provided by the vaccination organization. The sooner adults are vaccinated, the closer we’ll be to returning to normalcy.
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In summary, while the prospect of mixing vaccines is intriguing, current guidance leans toward using the same vaccine for both doses. Ongoing research will hopefully shed light on the safety and efficacy of this approach.