COVID-19 Vaccine Talk, 2nd Dose

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

It's all being done through pharmacies now (and a select few AHS locations like Richmond Rd Diagnostic), there is no need to open mass vaccination clinics like before. And since the guidance is now that you can get your COVID-19 and flu shot at the same time, appointment capacity is way less of an issue than it was when we were looking at first and second doses in the spring/summer. Booking your flu shot? Get your COVID dose #3 at the same time.

This doesn't need to be hard. Has it been six months since your second dose? Then you're eligible. Done.

I didn't realize that pharmacies are doing all the heavy lifting for Covid vaccination now.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by getbak

I don't think it really matters for the vast majority of people anyway right now. If it's been more than 6 months since your second shot, you likely already meet the requirements for a third shot.

Second shots didn't really open up for the general public until mid-June, so even if they made everyone eligible today, most won't be able to get it until mid-December or later.

You're forgetting people who got their doses out of the country or were able to get doses on waitlists, etc. Now that we have a highly vaccinated population and the demand is so low, putting up these barriers to getting boosters is just complicating things that don't need to be complicated. Six months is six months. The current pace of vaccination continues to be a trickle, and the 5-11 shots won't be the same as the 12+ doses anyway.

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I didn't realize that pharmacies are doing all the heavy lifting for Covid vaccination now.

Yep, since the centralized booking system was deployed. It also handles flu shot booking.

You register and book online here (https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx#book) then you pick the pharmacy you want to book at. Out of the 200 options that show in a 20 KM radius from my postal code, there are just four AHS locations. Everything else is a pharmacy and you book your timeslot straight from there.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

You're forgetting people who got their doses out of the country or were able to get doses on waitlists, etc. Now that we have a highly vaccinated population and the demand is so low, putting up these barriers to getting boosters is just complicating things that don't need to be complicated. Six months is six months. The current pace of vaccination continues to be a trickle, and the 5-11 shots won't be the same as the 12+ doses anyway.

.

I think you guys are coming close to saying the same thing- right now the number of Albertans that are 6 months out from their 2nd dose (ie 2nd jabbed May 10 or earlier) are a pretty low number- most already qualify- but I agree with you even if you don't formally qualify let's just make you eligible.... at least Canada wide, 2nd doses were only about 5-10% of total doses by May 10


a month from now is going to be a totally different scene- many more will be 6 months post- and I agree we shouldn't be cute about it at that point- trying to guess based on dosing interval , age, profession, or medical condition. 6 months post- hang out your arm and get 'er done

[calgaryred]

Got my 3rd dose on Nov 8th I'm a Pfizer Pfizer Moderna guy now. They suggested to get Moderna over a 3rd Pfizer shot, I had the choice to pick either. With Pfizer both shots I never felt a thing, Moderna wrecked me, still feeling a bit off but way better than yesterday.

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[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by calgaryred

Got my 3rd dose on Nov 8th I'm a Pfizer Pfizer Moderna guy now. They suggested to get Moderna over a 3rd Pfizer shot, I had the choice to pick either. With Pfizer both shots I never felt a thing, Moderna wrecked me, still feeling a bit off but way better than yesterday.

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Can I ask why they suggested giving you Moderna? Who? Doc or pharmacist? Assume you were 6 months from your second. Are you a front liner? Thanks

[Manhattanboy]

I’m 6 months from second Pfizer but am not in a special category.

If there are doses out there set to expire why can’t I get the third jab immediately now that Canada Health has given the booster the ok?

[calgaryred]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Can I ask why they suggested giving you Moderna? Who? Doc or pharmacist? Assume you were 6 months from your second. Are you a front liner? Thanks

Yeah Im a front liner got my first two shots in January and February, so it's been close to 9 months between my booster and 2nd shot. When I arrived for the appointment for my 3rd shot, the nurse checking on the computer to verify my ID, said in studies those that take Moderna the vax has been longer lasting, and suggested I got Moderna. She also said if I preferred to get a 3rd Pfizer shot I still could.

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[TorqueDog]

For the primary series, Moderna dosing is 100mcg per 0.5mL versus Pfizer's 30mcg per 0.3mL dose, so it isn't necessarily surprising that Moderna's has been slightly longer lasting. It's also the same reason people tend to report Moderna takes them out for half a day or so post administration more often than Pfizer does.

Interestingly, Moderna's booster dose is reduced to 50mcg per 0.25mL, but Pfizer is sticking with another 30mcg per 0.3mL shot.

I wonder if Moderna's will become the vaccine of choice given HC just authorized a two-month shelf life extension for it.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

For the primary series, Moderna dosing is 100mcg per 0.5mL versus Pfizer's 30mcg per 0.3mL dose, so it isn't necessarily surprising that Moderna's has been slightly longer lasting. It's also the same reason people tend to report Moderna takes them out for half a day or so post administration more often than Pfizer does.

Interestingly, Moderna's booster dose is reduced to 25mcg per 0.5mL, but Pfizer is sticking with another 30mcg per 0.3mL shot.

I wonder if Moderna's will become the vaccine of choice given HC just authorized a two-month shelf life extension for it.

minor correction
Moderna booster is 0.25 mL volume, 50ug RNA. Exactly half the normal Moderna dose

[TorqueDog]

D'oh. Fixed.

[Julio]

Alberta getting J&J doses today. 5000 as per the feds.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-heal...llout.html#a4a

[keenan87]

So, booster shots are only available for Pfizer? If second dose was longer than 6+ months ago and you must be over 18.

Just making sure I have this correct and don't pass wrong information to folks with Moderna.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by keenan87

So, booster shots are only available for Pfizer? If second dose was longer than 6+ months ago and you must be over 18.

Just making sure I have this correct and don't pass wrong information to folks with Moderna.

Doesn't seem to make a difference as calgaryred mentioned. As mRNA doses are considered interchangeable, you can be double-Pfizer'd and get a Moderna booster or double-Moderna'd and get a Pfizer booster, etc.

[Manhattanboy]

Am I missing something? While the boosters have been approved by Canada Health, Alberta still has not approved distribution to adults generally.

[Hockeyguy15]

Correct

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

Correct

Why? If supply is not an issue what’s the delay?

#### I’m tired of this.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Why? If supply is not an issue what’s the delay?

#### I’m tired of this.

I don't work for the government, so I can't tell you.

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Why? If supply is not an issue what’s the delay?

#### I’m tired of this.

Most people are less than 6 months since their second dose. I bet it opens up for January for everyone.

[Manhattanboy]

Some of my friends and I are six months from second dose.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

My 6 year old got his first dose today. Unfortunately my daughter is only 4 so she doesn't qualify yet. She's the last one to get anything.

And of course...

Today she has come down with a fever (100-101 F), dry cough, and congestion. I'm hoping it's just a cold....fingers crossed.