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Fourth Shot

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/12/2022 6:24 PM (GMT -8)
Didn't see this elsewhere, but the CDC updated its guidance for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Such individuals should get three full dose shots, and then 5 months after the third, get a booster. Eligibility starts later this week, which is 5 months from when we were first able to get the third dose.

You are moderately or severely immunocompromised if you are receiving active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.

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

Even though I had a colectomy this summer, I am still on methotrexate because I am still experiencing joint aches and psoriasis, which is why I was switched to methotrexate from Imuran. It is also helping with the flaring in my rectum, which will come out this summer.

Anyone else plan to get a fourth shot? I am. Gimme gimme.
Posted 1/12/2022 6:38 PM (GMT -8)
I plan to. Was going to go today, but since it was technically a week early (3rd was 8/19) I changed the appt to next week.
Posted 1/12/2022 7:38 PM (GMT -8)
I just received my 3rd shot the first part of November... We were waiting for the authorization to switch between vaccines... And then we had to time it with my infusions. So as soon as I can get the 4th..... Absolutely!!!! I really wish I didn't have to wait--especially since my last test showed no response on this vaccine with 0 antibodies..nada, zip...zero....zilch...

I am praying for the 4th shot.


Clo
Posted 1/13/2022 12:09 AM (GMT -8)
I had my 4th shot last week. Same side effects as after the 2nd shot.
Posted 1/13/2022 4:15 AM (GMT -8)
4th shot here.

——

On Humira
Posted 1/13/2022 4:47 AM (GMT -8)
I can get mine any time after the 17th. I’ve only had Pfizer so far, going to see if I can get Moderna this time. I’ve been trying to figure out if I should be getting the booster dose or the full dose if I go the Moderna route. Spring semester begins in the 17th so the sooner I get that 4th dose the better I will feel about going back to work!
Posted 1/13/2022 12:27 PM (GMT -8)
I’ll go get mine. But not eligible til March! So does this mean a booster or a full fourth dose? Not looking forward to the reaction which I’ve had after both 2nd and 3rd
Posted 1/13/2022 12:51 PM (GMT -8)
as usual, i'm a little behind on most everything - you guys are talking 4 shots, so far i had one J$J poke, and a fizer booster ...... i guess it was a booster ----- what defines a booster vs a shot ?

do i need more and can i get more w/o going to one of the local black market street vendors ?


TT
Posted 1/13/2022 3:24 PM (GMT -8)
Not sure about Pfizer but the moderna booster is 1/2 the medication of a full dose. When we got our 3rd doses, I received a full dose but my husband got the 1/2 dose (booster).
Posted 1/13/2022 3:34 PM (GMT -8)
Overachievers. Jk.

I'm still scared to get my booster since the 2nd Moderna made me flare. Trying to work up the courage.
Posted 1/13/2022 3:41 PM (GMT -8)
You might respond differently on xeljanz. But...there is no data for your situation, so it's anyone's guess.
Posted 1/13/2022 3:46 PM (GMT -8)
Sara, it might be worth trying a different vaccine too, who knows if that will make a difference.
Posted 1/13/2022 4:06 PM (GMT -8)
I am scheduled for my booster (4th shot) tomorrow. I have a Drs note just in case. I received 3 Pfizer shots and they have shown mix and match is the best so we will see how I do with Moderna.
Posted 1/13/2022 6:54 PM (GMT -8)
poopy: That's true, and I'm hoping that's the case. Thanks.
mom: Yes, I was considering getting Pfizer this time. Thanks.
Posted 1/14/2022 8:16 AM (GMT -8)
I called the CDC support line. They said it is anniversary date based (ie 30th of the month would be the 30th of the month after 5 months). They read me a specific example from their literature. I'll have to wait two more weeks before I can get my 4th dose.
Posted 1/14/2022 8:29 AM (GMT -8)

momto2boys said...
I can get mine any time after the 17th. I’ve only had Pfizer so far, going to see if I can get Moderna this time. I’ve been trying to figure out if I should be getting the booster dose or the full dose if I go the Moderna route. Spring semester begins in the 17th so the sooner I get that 4th dose the better I will feel about going back to work!

Per that link, if you are immunocompromised, you should get three FULL doses, and then 5 weeks after your third full dose, you will get the BOOSTER, which is HALF. So, our series is 3 primary shots, followed by a booster, whereas normal people are 2 primary shots, followed by a booster.

When I signed up for my appointment at a chain pharmacy, it asked me if I wanted a third dose as an immunocompromised person or if I wanted a booster -- I selected booster.

Going on Tuesday!
Posted 1/14/2022 9:34 AM (GMT -8)
TT -- check with your doc since your 1st shot was J&J. Not sure how they are doing additional shots with that.

My understanding is that for immune compromised people you get 3 full dose shots. For boosters (4th shot) Moderna is a half dose but I believe Pfizer is still full dose. Does anyone have more info about that?

Next Wed 1/19 is 5 months from my 3rd dose (8/19). I have my appt already scheduled
Posted 1/14/2022 10:11 AM (GMT -8)

CCinPA said...
TT -- check with your doc since your 1st shot was J&J. Not sure how they are doing additional shots with that.

My understanding is that for immune compromised people you get 3 full dose shots. For boosters (4th shot) Moderna is a half dose but I believe Pfizer is still full dose. Does anyone have more info about that?

Next Wed 1/19 is 5 months from my 3rd dose (8/19). I have my appt already scheduled

I think the 4th dose of Pfizer is a booster from what the CDC told me today when I called but I was more focused on what they considered 5 months. There might be some wiggly room is 4th dose for a booster or half dose but that is up to your doctor. They had to read me some medical legalese statement that made my eyes glaze over. I was really only focused upon the first available date that I could get the 4th dose.
Posted 1/14/2022 1:39 PM (GMT -8)
thanks CC smile

ya, i will get ahold of my doc on monday - seems like the J/J folks are kinda out there, navigating on their own - good thing is, i'm still here to whine about it ;-)

TT
Posted 1/14/2022 3:05 PM (GMT -8)
I just received mine today. The 4th dose in considered a booster dose for immunocompromised. My 1st 3 were Pfizer I went with Moderna today. Because it was a booster and Moderna it was a 1/2 dose. Pfizer is always the same dose. I will warn people the nurse I had didn’t know about it and had to call her supervisor. Supervisor knew the rules. I did bring a doctors note and a copy of the cdc guidelines just in case.
Posted 1/14/2022 3:34 PM (GMT -8)
I was planning to stay with Pfizer. Since I got a boost in antibodies after the 3rd I know I am responding to it. I'm afraid to switch now because with Moderna I would only get a half dose and Pfizer I get the full dose. I want all the antibodies I can get. I got a message from the office I am going to that my medical records show an open order for my 2nd shot. Weird since when I look at my immunizations it shows there that I got it. Someone needs to fix the website. Will call Monday to get that straightened out.
Posted 1/14/2022 4:03 PM (GMT -8)

CCinPA said...
I was planning to stay with Pfizer. Since I got a boost in antibodies after the 3rd I know I am responding to it. I'm afraid to switch now because with Moderna I would only get a half dose and Pfizer I get the full dose. I want all the antibodies I can get. I got a message from the office I am going to that my medical records show an open order for my 2nd shot. Weird since when I look at my immunizations it shows there that I got it. Someone needs to fix the website. Will call Monday to get that straightened out.


I think a half dose of moderna is still stronger than a full dose of pfizer?
I actually wanted to get moderna 4th time around because of this, but our government decided over 45s get moderna and under 45s get pfizer 1. Because pfizer is associated with a lower risk of myocarditis (most relevant for under 30s) and 2. Moderna produces stronger antibody responses than pfizer in some studies, and the biggest single risk factor in covid is age.
So i was a little disappointed i had to get pfizer. But i had a lot of side effects the next day, so i assume i had a decent antibody response.

Post Edited (poopydoop) : 1/14/2022 5:35:49 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/14/2022 4:41 PM (GMT -8)

poopydoop said...

CCinPA said...
I was planning to stay with Pfizer. Since I got a boost in antibodies after the 3rd I know I am responding to it. I'm afraid to switch now because with Moderna I would only get a half dose and Pfizer I get the full dose. I want all the antibodies I can get. I got a message from the office I am going to that my medical records show an open order for my 2nd shot. Weird since when I look at my immunizations it shows there that I got it. Someone needs to fix the website. Will call Monday to get that straightened out.


I think a half dose of moderna is still stronger than a full dose of pfizer?
I actually wanted to get moderna 4th time around because of this, but our government decided over 45s get moderna and under 45s get pfizer 1. Because pfizer is associated with a lower risk of myocarditis (most relevant for under 30s) and 2. Moderna produces stronger antibody responses than pfizer in some studies, and the biggest single risk factor in covid is age.
So i was a little disappointed i had to get pfizer. But i had a lot of side effects the next day, so i assume i had a decent antibody response.

You are correct 1/2 dose Moderna is more than a full dose Pfizer. Moderna is lasting longer and providing a better response. I responded to pfizer but not great until after the 3rd dose. It am exactly 45 and a female so I wasn’t worried to much about myocarditis. I guess I will see what happens
Posted 1/20/2022 3:53 AM (GMT -8)
I got my 4th shot of Pfizer yesterday. I checked with my PCP and he said to stay with Pfizer, that he didn't see any definitive studies that say mixing is much better than staying with the same vaccine. Yesterday my arm didn't hurt. It does today, but otherwise I feel ok.
Posted 1/20/2022 5:22 AM (GMT -8)
I get my 4th shot tomorrow. I’m signed up for Moderna this time, my previous 3 doses were Pfizer. I’m a bit nervous because my mom had a really strong reaction to Moderna, nausea, stomach cramp, and a fever for 3 days when she was vaccinated. I might chicken out and switch to Pfizer instead.
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