Pfizer and Moderna boosters: difference?

1,586 Views | 12 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by WES2006AG
FlyRod
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11:11a, 9/27/21
Apologies if the answer to this is buried in one or more other threads.

So Pfizer "boosters" have been approved.

Six months after my two Moderna shots, I went to CVS and got a third.

I was led to believe that that third shot was the same as the first two. My question is, is this the case with the Pfizer booster as well, or do we have evidence its different (tweaked for Delta, stronger, etc.)

I'm trying to figure out if the third Moderna shot I got is the equivalent of the forthcoming Pfizer booster or not.

My head hurts just writing this. TIA for any info that helps clarify this.
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GeographyAg
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11:26a, 9/27/21
AG
My understanding is that both boosters are the same as the original two shots.

The Moderna was a stronger dose than the pfizer originally, though, which is why it seems to be working a bit better against Delta. (And why most people had a stronger immune response to it initially.)

My husband and I have both had our antibodies tested. He got Moderna and has like 2000 count. I got Pfizer and have in the 200s. Both are good antibody counts, but you can definitely see that his vaccine produced a stronger response.
If I’m posting, it’s actually Mrs GeographyAg.
Mr. GeographyAg is a dedicated lurker.
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torrid
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11:27a, 9/27/21
AG
Both are mRNA based, but technical differences beyond that I do not know. Recommendation at this point is to not mix-and-match. Right now, they are only offering third shots of Pfizer. I do not believe it has been changed for Delta, which to me makes it kind of pointless.
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Aggie95
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In reply to torrid • 11:34a, 9/27/21
AG
torrid said:
Both are mRNA based, but technical differences beyond that I do not know. Recommendation at this point is to not mix-and-match. Right now, they are only offering third shots of Pfizer. I do not believe it has been changed for Delta, which to me makes it kind of pointless.
this is what I don't understand. I know a few people who have received a booster of Moderna. How? I received Moderna and was told by doctor that I was a good candidate for booster after 8 months.
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cone
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In reply to Aggie95 • 11:41a, 9/27/21
AG
Quote:
I know a few people who have received a booster of Moderna. How?
my doctor offered to write an off-label prescription for it after 8 months
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Dad
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In reply to Aggie95 • 11:44a, 9/27/21
AG
Aggie95 said:
torrid said:
Both are mRNA based, but technical differences beyond that I do not know. Recommendation at this point is to not mix-and-match. Right now, they are only offering third shots of Pfizer. I do not believe it has been changed for Delta, which to me makes it kind of pointless.
this is what I don't understand. I know a few people who have received a booster of Moderna. How? I received Moderna and was told by doctor that I was a good candidate for booster after 8 months.
If you are willing to lie or just withhold information about the fact that you are already vaccinated I'm sure you can go get the Moderna shot anywhere that offers it. If your doctor recommends it ask them.
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FlyRod
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11:47a, 9/27/21
That's the weird thing: I didn't lie, just went to CVS and said "I'm here for my third shot."

Had a doctor's note ready and they didn't even want to look at it.
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torrid
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11:53a, 9/27/21
AG
It seems to me they are just giving any shot to anyone who wants one at this point.
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FlyRod
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12:46p, 9/27/21
It seems that way! I'm seeing social media posts by colleagues in other states complaining that they can't get a third shot, and maybe its just that things are different here? I dunno.
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trnrmom
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1:15p, 9/27/21
i'm 75, immunocomprised; had both moderna vaccines. a husband/wife friends told me they went to walgreens and just signed an attestation that they were immunocompromised, showed walgreens their pfizer 2 shots cards and both got booster; i then went to walgreens down st. from me; told me they only had pfizer but to go to the walgreens at other location for moderna booster; i signed attestation, showed my vaccine card and got moderna booster here in scottsdale where i live. i'm 75 and didn't wait 8 mo. from first 2.
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WES2006AG
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1:40p, 9/27/21
AG
I went to HEB the day after it was recommended for immunocompromised people to get a booster. I gave the pharmacist my card and had them add the 3rd shot booster to it and they didn't ask any questions beyond that.

This was a booster for Moderna which has not yet been approved except for those of us in the higher risk categories.
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torrid
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In reply to WES2006AG • 1:44p, 9/27/21
AG
WES2006AG said:
I went to HEB the day after it was recommended for immunocompromised people to get a booster. I gave the pharmacist my card and had them add the 3rd shot booster to it and they didn't ask any questions beyond that.

This was a booster for Moderna which has not yet been approved except for those of us in the higher risk categories.
I don't think there has been ANY approval for a third Moderna, only Pfizer. Seems to be a moot point though.
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KidDoc
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1:59p, 9/27/21
AG
Pharmacies don't care, they just want to move product.

At this time only the Pfizer has a booster recommendation and that is only for > 65 years old or immunosuppressed (per the ACIP).

It, and moderna, are the exact same shot. There is good evidence that it boosts titers which should correlate to less risk of severe disease but that is not yet proven. It is easy to measure the titer change, decreasing hospitalization and death takes a lot more patients and patience.

Over time it is fairly likely that Moderna and J&J will require boosters 6 + months after the first series. That is just how most vaccines work. Hopefully that will lend long term protection but no way to predict that.

No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
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WES2006AG
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In reply to torrid • 2:01p, 9/27/21
AG
torrid said:
WES2006AG said:
I went to HEB the day after it was recommended for immunocompromised people to get a booster. I gave the pharmacist my card and had them add the 3rd shot booster to it and they didn't ask any questions beyond that.

This was a booster for Moderna which has not yet been approved except for those of us in the higher risk categories.
I don't think there has been ANY approval for a third Moderna, only Pfizer. Seems to be a moot point though.
You are right. They are still recommending it for us transplant patients though.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html
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