Featured photo: Shanina C Knighton, PhD RN CIC
Written by Tanya Terry
In addition to data from clinical trials, evidence from real-world vaccine effectiveness studies show that COVID-19 vaccines help protect against COVID-19 infections, with or without symptoms (asymptomatic infections), according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series, or 2 months after their initial Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, according to the CDC.
A second booster is available for those 50 and over and for individuals 12 and over who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system).
“The thought process behind getting a second booster for that population is because we are still seeing evolving strings, said Shanina C Knighton, PhD RN CIC.
Knighton pointed out that immunocompromised individuals are more likely to be more negatively impacted by COVID. In addition, she said because some people 50 and over are in nursing homes, where there is a higher chance of spread.
There has been some debate about whether the “second booster” is an actual booster or just another dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Knighton pointed out the CDC has changed the definition of what a vaccine is.
“Depending on what the actual vaccine is, they’re giving an extra dose or you are getting an additional dose of the vaccine considered to be the booster,” she said.
According to Knighton, an additional dose and a booster dose are “the same thing.”
“It’s the same formula. Honestly, and for transparency, we’re still working on the same formula from March of 2020. So, the same formula they had when they first went into clinical trials and when they first came out to the public, we’re still dealing with the same formulation like right now.”
Knighton acknowledged this is the case despite the fact the strains are changing. So, she emphasizes the importance of other preventative practices in addition to vaccination.
“There is some effectiveness…Your body can build up antibodies, but if you’re putting more additives in it that are bad, you’re in the situation of where you’re then counteracting the effects…”
Although a prescription is not needed to get an additional primary dose of vaccine for immunocompromised individuals, Knighton spoke about a situation in which it may be helpful to consult a doctor before getting vaccinated. She said it is helpful for some medications to be paused in order for the vaccine to work as effectively as it should.
Individuals 18-49 who are not immunocompromised and had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for their primary booster dose may choose to get a second booster dose.
“I tell people to go talk to their primary care doctor about that. Every person is different…It is recommended that if you did get the J & J that you do get a booster.”
Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA vaccines, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an adenovirus vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson uses the more traditional virus-based technology, according to Virginia Commonwealth University’s website. The adenovirus is a weakened form of a common virus that mimics a similar pattern as coronaviruses that is put in the body to mimic those effects, according to Knighton. She said this is versus mRNA vaccines, which prime the body with a spike protein.
“Either way, you’re still not putting COVID in your body.”
Some people think the COVID-19 vaccine was made to quickly, but scientists had already researched for coronavirus vaccines during previous outbreaks caused by related coronaviruses (besides COVID-19), according to the CDC.
Knighton gave advice about talking to loved ones who are in the groups eligible for second boosters.
“I would explain to them that even though COVID-19 is out of sight, out of mind of the medium, that it is still impacting people that are vulnerable. Keeping your body boosted or keeping your body primed will at least help you to provide a defense mechanism against clinically relevant symptoms, against being severely sick or being hospitalized. As the strings have been evolving, we may not find out about them until it’s too late.”
