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Third Dose OR Booster? Confusing.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/9/2021 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,

I've asked my docs this question and just waiting on answers. It's even hard to articulate. I have UC and am on Inflectra and low-dose Imuran, so I'm taking two immunosuppressives. I've had two Moderna shots and mounted very good antibody response (I'm in a study so I see my levels once a month). They are waning, but I think that's expected with general population.

My question is whether I should be getting a BOOSTER or a THIRD DOSE. According to my hospital's guidelines: "As a reminder, a booster dose is for healthy patients, to enhance immunity and protect against new strains of the virus. A third dose for immunocompromised patients protects those who haven't had a full response to the first two doses of the vaccine."

So it appears I would fall into the BOOSTER camp b/c although I am immunocompromised, I still mounted a good response. Right? Then there's the issue of Moderna. Some friends were saying a BOOSTER is half the dose and a THIRD DOSE is full dose. It's really confusing. Is there any difference between booster and third dose or is it just the amount of time you have to wait after your second dose.

Any insight is helpful. Thanks!
David
Posted 11/10/2021 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
DavidEA,
There's a difference between a 3rd shot and a booster.

Moderna/Pfizer 3rd dose is a full dose only available to immune compromised individuals at this time.

Moderna booster is a half dose and is usually for healthy people. I did not check on the Pfizer booster so am unsure of the amount.

My infectious disease doctor, GI and PCP advised me to go in for my 3rd dose. I was a non responder to Pfizers 2 vaccines and had 0 antibodies when tested. They are recommending all their immune compromised patients that had low antibodies after their vaccines to get the Moderna vaccine. It has a higher concentration of mRNA. They have also indicated that a 4th dose or booster will be available in 6 months.

If you have good antibodies I would wait for what your doctor advises.

Hope this isn't even more confusing...lol..

Clo
Posted 11/10/2021 11:05 AM (GMT 0)
The Pfizer booster is the same dose as the original two doses. Moderna’s booster is lower because the initial two doses had higher levels than the Pfizer. You would qualify for a 3rd full dose of Moderna if you want to get that.
Posted 11/10/2021 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
I had moderna initially too and had a good immune response (am also in a study so I’ve seen my levels). I just got my 3rd dose of Moderna. I wondered the same as you — since I’d had a good response did I need another full dose? But I decided to go ahead with full dose. I did have a really good reaction — 2 days of fever and aches.
Posted 11/11/2021 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Full 3rd dose of moderna is recommended for us.
Posted 11/11/2021 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
A 4th full dose of an RNA vaccine is now recommend 6 months after our third dose if we are immunocompromised. Per FDA approval/guidance.
Posted 11/13/2021 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
I spoke to my GI, Infectious Disease Doc, Colorectal surgeon and PCP. They have decided that before I move forward for a 4th dose they want me to have an antibody test....

Maybe it's because after my Moderna vaccine I had issues almost at the 72 hour mark? Sore arm, fatigue, sore throat, fever.... Now my rectovagina fistula/anus is leaking like crazy with mucus out put (I have a colostomy) and yet I am taking Milk of Magnesia twice a day just to go go--plus Zofran to not puke. My intestines were quivering today - you could see them shaking around in there.. Such a strange feeling. Totally grossed me out. I know...all this other stuff I deal with and yet seeing my stomach quivering and feeling it just freaked me out.

Anyone else react after their vaccine? How long did it take for it to calm down? Maybe I caught a bug while at the pharmacy place?

I'm sorta mad at myself. I chased this Moderna down like a hound dog on a scent trail and now it's turned around and bit me on the.....well you know.

Clo
Posted 11/13/2021 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
There is a whole thread about flaring after Moderna.... I can't remember what it was titled, if it was specifically "flaring after Moderna" or "flaring after COVID shot"... but maybe try a few search terms like that to see if you can find that thread.
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