Booster in light of Omicron

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Redassag94
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4:35p, 12/6/21
AG

Does it still make sense to get the booster when there is so little known about Omicron? I heard one doctor make the argument that getting the booster could be self-defeating if Omicron ends up being mostly harmless and spreads to give herd immunity. Should we wait if we haven't gotten one yet? That is if we are under the age of 65. If we should, what are the arguments to do so? I am kinda tired of the "Yeah you probably should" narrative with no reason given. I have also lost ALL faith in public health officials. I want to hear from doctors that are treating patients and give solid reasons for making decisions for my health and the health of my family.

Thanks and Gig em!
RedAssAg
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Born & Raised in Texas, lovin Colorado!!
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Aston94
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4:49p, 12/6/21
AG
Well Omicron isn't the dominant strain, and won't be for some time if ever, so to protect you from dominant strain you probably would want the booster.
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Hornbeck
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5:40p, 12/6/21
AG
IMHO, Omicron, seems to be more easily transmitted, and is spreading quickly. While it may give us "herd immunity", I personally believe we will be dealing with COVID and it's variants for the rest of my life, and I'm middle-aged.
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Bucketrunner
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6:05p, 12/6/21
If, as reported, the first vaccines didn't really prevent the disease, why would we think doing the same thing again would produce a different result?
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ORAggieFan
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In reply to Bucketrunner • 6:06p, 12/6/21
Bucketrunner said:
If, as reported, the first vaccines didn't really prevent the disease, why would we think doing the same thing again would produce a different result?

It greatly reduces the likelihood and it makes it less severe.
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ORAggieFan
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6:08p, 12/6/21
I wouldn't get boosted for omicron specifically. I'd consider the vaccine you had and other factors. I had J&J so got Moderna. My best friend is overweight and I encouraged him to get it. My other best friend is very fit and he's waiting.

If you're healthy and had Moderna, probably no need.
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Bucketrunner
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In reply to ORAggieFan • 9:58p, 12/6/21
Had Moderna and still caught Covid - was just slight sniffles. Totally surprised when we lost our sense of smell for several days. I see no need in getting a booster now or ever.
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ORAggieFan
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In reply to Bucketrunner • 10:00p, 12/6/21
Bucketrunner said:
Had Moderna and still caught Covid - was just slight sniffles. Totally surprised when we lost our sense of smell for several days. I see no need in getting a booster now or ever.
Great, the vaccine worked for you and now you have even more immunity.
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Aston94
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In reply to Bucketrunner • 10:22p, 12/6/21
AG
Bucketrunner said:
If, as reported, the first vaccines didn't really prevent the disease, why would we think doing the same thing again would produce a different result?


From your post below sounds like the vaccine worked for you.
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Bucketrunner
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In reply to Aston94 • 10:40p, 12/6/21
So I don't need a booster. Not regretting getting Moderna because we didn't know enough at the time. Now I do. Everyone should be free to make their own decision, but we listen to our PCP. Right now she's saying no booster.
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Aston94
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In reply to Bucketrunner • 10:54p, 12/6/21
AG
Why would you regret getting it now? I got Moderna and am still happy I did.
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DadHammer
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6:10a, 12/7/21
AG
I had the booster as well. With covid getting weaker and weaker we are not getting anymore vaccine shots. Covid is over for my family and friends. It's time to get on with life and stop all this craziness.
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Beat40
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In reply to ORAggieFan • 7:27a, 12/7/21
ORAggieFan said:
Bucketrunner said:
If, as reported, the first vaccines didn't really prevent the disease, why would we think doing the same thing again would produce a different result?

It greatly reduces the likelihood and it makes it less severe.
Do we already know this for Omicron? Or is it still speculation?

Because it seems like Omicron hasn't been public knowledge long enough for us know for sure. All I hear is "to fight Omicron, you need to get your vaccine. If you already have the vaccine, get the booster. At least I haven't seen anything official - it's possible I'm not looking in the right spot or just flat out missed it.

I think the OP's question is a legitimate one. I personally think it's a reasonable assumption the vaccine does help reduce symptoms and severity a la the Flu vaccine and its various strains. The question remains, do we know for sure or have a strong inclination in regards to Omicron?

If not, and leaders are giving direction based on an assumption, I don't like that.
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03_Aggie
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In reply to ORAggieFan • 8:11a, 12/7/21
ORAggieFan said:
Bucketrunner said:
Had Moderna and still caught Covid - was just slight sniffles. Totally surprised when we lost our sense of smell for several days. I see no need in getting a booster now or ever.
Great, the vaccine worked for you and now you have even more immunity.


Kind of an assumption, no? Who's to say his symptoms are solely attributable to the vaccine? Plenty of unvaccinated folks had similar symptoms.
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KidDoc
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8:48a, 12/7/21
AG
Early data suggests it is much milder.

Omicron could be more contagious, less dangerous. That would be 'good news for the human race.' (msn.com)

Based on that, if it holds true, I would hold off on a booster. It seems to be nearly twice as contagious as delta and should become the dominant strain within a month or two. The current mRNA vaccines do not match well with the mutated spike protein of omicron. The CDC is recommending boosters just because they feel like they have to "do something" and that is likely more benefit then harm especially for older at risk population. There is no solid data at this time that having a booster does anything for Omicron although it likely does help a bit. Even if the match is poor if you have a ton of antibodies floating around at the time of exposure it is likely helpful.

If you are at risk ask your doc for a spike protein titer and see if it is low. If it is consider getting a booster.
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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wbt5845
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In reply to ORAggieFan • 8:52a, 12/7/21
AG
ORAggieFan said:
If you're healthy and had Moderna, probably no need.
This is me. While I am almost 60, I am very active, working out 7 days a week.
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lobopride
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3:49p, 12/7/21
Bucketrunner
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In reply to Aston94 • 5:14p, 12/7/21
Absolutely not regretting it because of what I understood at the time. What I understand about immunity and the booster now, I won't be getting the booster. HTH
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petebaker
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5:26p, 12/7/21

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Gordo14
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In reply to KidDoc • 7:44p, 12/7/21
KidDoc said:
Early data suggests it is much milder.

Omicron could be more contagious, less dangerous. That would be 'good news for the human race.' (msn.com)

Based on that, if it holds true, I would hold off on a booster. It seems to be nearly twice as contagious as delta and should become the dominant strain within a month or two. The current mRNA vaccines do not match well with the mutated spike protein of omicron. The CDC is recommending boosters just because they feel like they have to "do something" and that is likely more benefit then harm especially for older at risk population. There is no solid data at this time that having a booster does anything for Omicron although it likely does help a bit. Even if the match is poor if you have a ton of antibodies floating around at the time of exposure it is likely helpful.

If you are at risk ask your doc for a spike protein titer and see if it is low. If it is consider getting a booster.


Not sure I agree with your assessment. Plenty of reason for optimism on that front, but it's important to remember that the South African population is not particularly representative of the American population. And the rate of transmission suggests we will all be exposed multiple times to Omicron in the coming weeks - the point at which you might decide to get a booster it will almost certainly be too late. The booster is now a question of do you want the most primed immune system as possible before exposure or not. That's all you can control. T-cell immunity likely means the vaccines will still be effective in the case that the virus does cause more illness than the anecdotal data from South Africa suggests.

At the end of the day the boosters may not matter much, the virus may be the brand new cold that sweeps the globe, but now is the time to do something in the chance that it isn't. It's not like there is a serious risk associated with getting a booster shot, so I argue a booster is common sense.
The risk-reward is clearly in favor of boosters. What's the risk? I got a sore shoulder. But it's probably wise to be prepared for Hurricane season even if it likely isn't life and death.
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03_Aggie
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In reply to Gordo14 • 8:06p, 12/7/21
Gordo14 said:
KidDoc said:
Early data suggests it is much milder.

Omicron could be more contagious, less dangerous. That would be 'good news for the human race.' (msn.com)

Based on that, if it holds true, I would hold off on a booster. It seems to be nearly twice as contagious as delta and should become the dominant strain within a month or two. The current mRNA vaccines do not match well with the mutated spike protein of omicron. The CDC is recommending boosters just because they feel like they have to "do something" and that is likely more benefit then harm especially for older at risk population. There is no solid data at this time that having a booster does anything for Omicron although it likely does help a bit. Even if the match is poor if you have a ton of antibodies floating around at the time of exposure it is likely helpful.

If you are at risk ask your doc for a spike protein titer and see if it is low. If it is consider getting a booster.


Not sure I agree with your assessment. Plenty of reason for optimism on that front, but it's important to remember that the South African population is not particularly representative of the American population. And the rate of transmission suggests we will all be exposed multiple times to Omicron in the coming weeks - the point at which you might decide to get a booster it will almost certainly be too late. The booster is now a question of do you want the most primed immune system as possible before exposure or not. That's all you can control. T-cell immunity likely means the vaccines will still be effective in the case that the virus does cause more illness than the anecdotal data from South Africa suggests.

At the end of the day the boosters may not matter much, the virus may be the brand new cold that sweeps the globe, but now is the time to do something in the chance that it isn't. It's not like there is a serious risk associated with getting a booster shot, so I argue a booster is common sense.
The risk-reward is clearly in favor of boosters. What's the risk? I got a sore shoulder. But it's probably wise to be prepared for Hurricane season even if it likely isn't life and death.


I always seem to struggle to understand when we should be questioning doctors and when we shouldn't. I feel like I'm starting to get a good idea of when but not 100% that I have it down completely
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agsalaska
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In reply to Bucketrunner • 9:11p, 12/7/21
AG
Bucketrunner said:
Absolutely not regretting it because of what I understood at the time. What I understand about immunity and the booster now, I won't be getting the booster. HTH
The vaccine 100% worked for for you.
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Redassag94
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In reply to petebaker • 9:40p, 12/7/21
AG
petebaker said:


I thought it was Pfizer that caused Myocarditis?
RedAssAg
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Born & Raised in Texas, lovin Colorado!!
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Bucketrunner
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In reply to agsalaska • 10:24p, 12/7/21
Not arguing that. But because it leaked and allowed me to catch some sort of Covid, I now have the real deal immunity.
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SwissAgg
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11:40p, 12/7/21
AG
I received my two shots of Moderne, and I still got Covid 19.

The symptoms were "cold-like" with cough, sneezing, runny nose, and headache.

I did a quick test and tested positive and later did a PCR test which confirmed that results which

was also positive.

Moral of the story, the vaccinations protect you only a limited amount!!!
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fightingfarmer09
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In reply to Redassag94 • 11:46p, 12/7/21
Redassag94 said:
petebaker said:


I thought it was Pfizer that caused Myocarditis?


Both mRNA vaccines have been strongly linked to this issue.
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torrid
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6:02a, 12/8/21
AG
Dueling headlines on CNN and Today on effectiveness of Pfizer against Omicron.

They are literally making this stuff up.
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KidDoc
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In reply to Gordo14 • 7:45a, 12/8/21
AG
Everything in medicine has risk. The risk of boosting your immune system is autoimmune illness. Sure the risk is low, and almost always outweighed by the risk of infection so it makes just about all vaccines worthwhile. At this time with Omicron they are guessing. It is reasonable to think that if you have a TON of mismatched antibodies floating around that may help against it, but early data suggest that is not the case. So why get a booster when the soon to be dominant variant is evading it? Why not wait a few months until they produce the omicron variant specific booster? Why not wait and see if Omicron is as mild as early reports suggest?

It is a case by case decision. The CDC just wants boosters available if people want to access them. But each patient needs to talk to their doctor about their specific risk factors and their current immune status and then decide what is safest for them. Widespread mandates are not held up by the science at this point in time and are just a nice way for Pfizer to make cash off the taxpayer.

For me personally my health risk is moderate due to BMI > 30 and 49 years of age. I get my 2nd titer drawn today and if it is low (<200) I'll get a booster now. If it is still high (it was >2000 last check) then I'll wait.

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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Aston94
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11:34a, 12/8/21
AG
These: "I got vaccinated and got Covid, was really just like a cold, so vaccine didn't work" posts really crack me up.

The vaccine is designed to lessen your chances of getting covid, but more importantly it is designed to lessen your symptoms if you get covid.

So if you contracted covid after getting the vaccine, and had a minor case, then the vaccine worked! Would you have had a minor case without the vaccine? Maybe. Did you have a minor case with the vaccine? yes.
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Squadron7
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5:36p, 12/8/21
AG
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dubi
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In reply to Squadron7 • 6:43p, 12/8/21
AG
Folks tend to die slow at least in the US.
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Player To Be Named Later
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In reply to SwissAgg • 7:08p, 12/8/21
AG
SwissAgg said:
I received my two shots of Moderne, and I still got Covid 19.

The symptoms were "cold-like" with cough, sneezing, runny nose, and headache.

I did a quick test and tested positive and later did a PCR test which confirmed that results which

was also positive.

Moral of the story, the vaccinations protect you only a limited amount!!!


The point of these shots was never to completely prevent people from coming down with it. The point was primarily to help cases to primarily be mild.

Sounds like it worked completely as intended.
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FlyRod
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7:39p, 12/8/21
KidDoc what are your thoughts on Omicron being "milder" because it "stole" (the word I saw) elements of the common cold virus?

I'm really curious about the possibility of something like the good old common cold virus overtaking Covid and neutralizing it!
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petebaker
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8:52p, 12/8/21

Canada joins Germany, France, Finland, Denmark and Sweden in warning young adults to avoid the Moderna jab following evidence of 'rare but harmful' side effects. The decision follows recently released data showing that the risk of heart inflammation from Pfizer's jab "appears to be around five times lesser...compared to Modera's spikevax jab", per an opinion published by the HAS.

Here's a summary of the German PEI data via Reuters:

The German PEI data showed a "report rate" for heart inflammations of 11.71 per 100,000 shots with the Moderna vaccine for men in the 18-29 age group, compared with 4.68 for the Biontech/Pfizer shot. For women, the rate was 2.95 with Moderna and 0.97 with Biontech/Pfizer.

In the 12-17 age group, the rate was 11.41 for males with the Moderna shot compared with 4.81 for Biontech/Pfizer. There was no data provided for females in the lower age group.
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KidDoc
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In reply to FlyRod • 7:50a, 12/9/21
AG
FlyRod said:
KidDoc what are your thoughts on Omicron being "milder" because it "stole" (the word I saw) elements of the common cold virus?

I'm really curious about the possibility of something like the good old common cold virus overtaking Covid and neutralizing it!
Current data looks very promising. We should have more information in under a month.
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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