Third dose - rather than booster?

[Brushwork]

I actually don’t think there’s much difference - but I haven’t really researched it.

[Lolabridge]

If you qualify for a third primary dose you can have a booster as well 6 months later. The vaccine you are given is likely to be the same for both and of the mRNA type.

[Boxerlady]

I don't think that there's any difference other than getting a fourth one later.You're obviously getting more information in Scotland than we are in England 🙄😁

[oldtimer]

I think that a third booster dose is for people who have developed some immunity after the first two doses, but their immunity is waning with time.A booster dose for people with a reduced immune response includes younger people and is intended to increase their response.

[nomoreheels]

I had my third dose last week, although my GP Practice who rang to offer me my appointment informed me it was the booster I was being given. The nurse started to tell me it was the third jab I was having, which answered my concern that it hadn't been the suggested 24 weeks (for the booster) since my second jab. Before injecting me she answered some more questions I had. The first now being what the difference was between the two as I was expecting to have the booster. Seemingly the third dose is for those with moderately to severely compromised (weakened) immune systems, those who may have had a poorer response to the first two, or because of the medication they take. As I'd had the AstraZeneca both times previously this time it was the Pfizer because studies show there's a better immune response if a different one is given the third time (which is part of the initial primary vaccine dosing). It should be given at least 8 weeks after the previous second dose.

The booster jab is supposedly given to those who likely had a good response to the first two & aged 50 or over. I'm sure there must be more info out there but as it didn't concern me at that time I didn't delve further. Thinking now I should have asked if I will be called to have the booster jab. As I’m being seen tomorrow I will ask my Rheumy, he may know.

Hope some of what I asked helps. Having my flu jab this morning. Having it done by the Pharmacist as he asked last week if we'd like it done by him again this year. Our Surgery had sent a text saying that it would be delayed so it made good sense for the Pharmacist to do it.

NB I'm in NW England & on MTX (no biologic/anti TNF/JAK inhibitor) just for info.

[Boxerlady in reply to nomoreheels]

What dose of Methotrexate are you on please? I'm on 20mg so am half expecting not to be called.

[nomoreheels in reply to Boxerlady]

I'm on 17.5mg currently.

[Boxerlady in reply to nomoreheels]

Interesting - maybe I will get called then 🤔

[nomoreheels in reply to Boxerlady]

🤞x

[crashdoll]

There’s no difference is terms of the actual injection. The difference is that people who are eligible for a 3rd primary will be called for a booster in 6 months.