Spring covid booster: Wondering how most feel... - MPN Voice

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Spring covid booster

caroline_284 profile image
61 Replies

Wondering how most feel about having this? I have had all that have been offered,and have always had the phizer vaccine,but this time all I can find is the moderna ,am reluctant to have this because I have heard of adverse effects from changing vaccines?

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caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284
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61 Replies
Hopetohelp profile image
Hopetohelp

I feel the same. Rightly or wrongly I am going to give it a miss this time for the same reason as you. I had covid at Xmas and it wasn’t bad at all. My immune fighting bloods aren’t too low. A lot of people around me getting colds, not covid. Me included a couple of months ago and it was a lot worse than covid at Xmas.Not recommending anyone else follows my example though.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Hopetohelp

Thank you for your reply.

Skidsteer565 profile image
Skidsteer565

I contracted Covid Classic in December 2020 well before any type of vaccine was available. It was a difficult time for my wife and I, we were both ill at the same time. Butterfly, my wife, needed two hospital stays to help regain her health. I was able to slog through all of the symptoms from home.

I opted not to have a vax when they became available several months later based on my limited understanding of natural immunity. Butterfly on Drs. advise received one and became immediately ill with all of the Covid symptoms to the extent that another trip to the hospital was becoming a possibility. After four days of misery she began to get better. No, I do not know what type of vaccine she received it is unimportant to me.

Since then we both have tested positive for C-19 and have had milder symptoms.

To answer your question I will not be getting a C-19 vax now or in the future. YMMV.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Skidsteer565

Thank you for your reply..

saltmarsh profile image
saltmarsh

I'm 77 and have been dealing with PV for a little over 4 years. I've gotten every covid shot on schedule - they've all been Moderna. I experienced nothing too severe - the worst being feeling under the weather for a day or so. In December my wife and I both got Covid and it wasn't too bad. My most recent shot - about a month ago - was Pfizer and other than a sore arm I had no bad reaction. Personally I am a believer in the importance of Covid vaccinations given my age and the PV and I have no desire to wind up in the hospital.

In the end it comes down to risk/reward. A day or two of mild discomfort versus serious illness is a no-brainer. Good luck

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to saltmarsh

Thank you for your reply

ALlady profile image
ALlady in reply to saltmarsh

I agree. 76 with PV on hydroxy 500 every other day and have gotten every booster offered with no ill effects. I have had mostly Moderna. Two phizer were mixed in. I had mild headache after one of the phizer but no illness.

I had a very very light case of covid a year ago, six weeks after a booster.

I am a booster believer and will continue to get them.

Whitehair51 profile image
Whitehair51

Actually, there benefits to switching vaccines, improved protection. I had a Moderna last fall after previous Pfizer vaccines. I did have more of a reaction, flu like symptoms for a day.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Whitehair51

Thank you for your reply

Leveret20 profile image
Leveret20

Each vaccine will give you different antibodies. The more different antibodies you have, the better you are protected. If the virus becomes resistant to one vaccine, the other is still there. The only reason to stick with the same vaccine is if that vaccine requires multiple doses to be effective. Now that we are talking about boosters, variety is good.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Leveret20

Thank you for your reply

EPguy profile image
EPguy

The two vaxes are similar while the Moderna is a larger dose.(30 vs50mcg) So if adverse effects are a concern, they could be larger with a larger dose

Salmon4ever profile image
Salmon4ever in reply to EPguy

Not a larger dose ; they are proportional to one another.

EPguy profile image
EPguy in reply to Salmon4ever

The dose of active ingredient is measured in μg (mcg) for the mRNA vaxes, same as with IFN. Proportions are relevant when diluting to a volume but the dose is absolute in mcg as it is with IFN.

--

For adults the Pfizer dose is 30 mcg:

"Manufacturer-filled syringe 12 years and older 0.3 mL/30 μg Intramuscular (IM) injection"

cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/i...

--

for Moderna it is 50 mcg: (initial doses were even larger at 100mcg)

"Verify syringe volume of 0.5 mL (100 mcg) for primary series dose or 0.25 mL (50 mcg) for booster dose from red cap vial with a light blue border, or 0.5 mL (50 mcg) for booster dose from blue cap vial with a purple border."

ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Cente...

--

The active ingredient is mRNA as defined here for both versions:

"Nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the viral spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2"

mountsinai.org/files/MSHeal...

--

I posted before on some implications of the dosing options, Pfizer considered 60mcg in its development:

healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

--

There are differences in the precise make up, but the better effectiveness for Mod is primarily via its higher weight of active mRNA agent. Along with stronger action is a higher risk of rare adverse events. I have suffered devastatingly as I've posted, while the higher Moderna dose was likely just one factor of that train wreck, it is reasonable to expect a trade off with higher dosing benefit vs risk, as there is with IFN.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to EPguy

Thank you for your reply

Ebot profile image
Ebot

I’ve just had my Covid booster. Number 8! I was a bit ambivalent and asked my haemo for advice. She was unequivocal. Have the vaccine.

I’ve had both Pfizer and Moderna. Change has its benefits. And I’m just grateful to be offered it.

Various friends / family have contracted Covid over the past few months and have been pretty poorly. On balance I’ll take the sore arm and a restless night.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Ebot

Thankyou for your reply

rubyrubyruby profile image
rubyrubyruby

I’ve decided not to get anymore boosters done, I think my body must be saturated by them now. I do worry about the long term effects of having all these new vaccs in our bodies, they were relatively untested and no one knows what they are actually doing to us.

Carol0925 profile image
Carol0925 in reply to rubyrubyruby

I too will not have anymore boosters.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Carol0925

Thankyou for your reply

Hillman51 profile image
Hillman51 in reply to rubyrubyruby

hi .. can’t agree more ,I only had the first two , bought on joint problems the very next day ,and have continued to suffer since ..😔

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Hillman51

Thank you for your reply

EPguy profile image
EPguy in reply to Hillman51

Joint problems can be a signal of developing autoimmune (A-I) risk, I know too well as i've posted. If you consider IFN therapy at some point you may want to watch A-I markers very carefully.

Winchie profile image
Winchie

I had Pfizer and Moderna. The only reaction was a sore arm.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Winchie

Thank you for your reply

Anouchka profile image
Anouchka

I’ve had all vacs and prefer the Moderna as twice after a Pfizer I had to go thru a UTI… I’m prone to those anyway and having PV (now for 2 yrs) certainly doesn’t make it easier on that score…

Firm believer in vacs until I think I’ll miss the next one even if available here in France

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Anouchka

Thank you for your reply

robcaduk profile image
robcaduk

I had it three weeks ago. No issues at all. If it’s there I will take it. You never know……

EssexDolly profile image
EssexDolly

I had it last week and the only issue was my arm was really quite sore for about 24 hours after. It seems this is common with the Moderna vaccine. No other issues.

HazeBlue profile image
HazeBlue

I have had seven jabs but didnt have any last year . Each individual to make own choice . The jabs do not last long . Not bothering with spring one .

ChillyAsh34 profile image
ChillyAsh34

I have had all the jabs ,didn't have one last year and not bothering this year ,I feel I have had too many and I don't really know what they are doing to me so opted out

Salmon4ever profile image
Salmon4ever

Moderna is more effective. ( Yes, there is research data to support that. I am sorry but I can't provide that tonight. If you have always had Pfizer, LOTS of data to support cross vaccines ( meaning not getting the same " brand" each time actually strengthens the immune response.) For those " arguing" not wanting it because it is now " like a bad cold", more and more data on wanting to avoid COVID because of the risk of Long COVID. Folks getting long COVID-19 even when they get a " mild case". ) My spouse and I have ( and still are) part of a COVID DATA online forum for the last 3 years. Run by two newly returned internal medicine docs. They have provided a continuously updated stream of primary research on COVID, policy, healthcare, etc. ( No politics allowed BTW). Oh yes, get the booster now. Then get on line for the new fall vaccine that will address the latest variant. AND, if you do get COVID, be sure to take Paxlovid within first 5 days. ( It will reduce symptoms AND possibly reduced long COVID as well.)

EPguy profile image
EPguy in reply to Salmon4ever

Agree on repeat Covid infections. The risk of long covid after infection can be additive.

Unfortunately I'm at risk for more vaxes, I hope I can get one of the future more effective nasal vaxes that are under development.

Dojojojo profile image
Dojojojo

I have had both varieties of vaccine every time it has been offered. I have had no reaction at all to either of them. My doctor has advised Pfizer is no longer being used in the UK. Having Moderna vax this week, I will post if I have a reaction.Best regards to everyone.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Dojojojo

Thank you for your reply

MWxxxx profile image
MWxxxx

Hi. I had only had Pfizer previously (about 7 of them?) And I was really worried when I found out it was Moderna. We are all different but for my experience I got no side effects from Moderna (to the point where I worried that it hadn't done anything). With me, sometimes its the 2nd vaccine that causes more symptoms. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Michali45 profile image
Michali45

I have only had Moderna once, all my vaccines were Pfizer. Two weeks after the Moderna shot I got shingles in my leg which affects me up to today, nearly two years later. Maybe there was no connection at all but it has put me right off Moderna! Four months of pain is too powerful a memory! I have not been able to find anywhere giving Pfizer this spring except maybe Boots where you have to pay to have it administered. I think I'm going to wait until Autumn to see if Pfizer returns and in the meantime arrange to have the Shingrix shingles vaccine. It is a difficult decision to make!

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to Michali45

Thank you for your reply

ciye profile image
ciye

I believe I had Covid prior to tests being available. I had 3 jabs Covid twice since, I haven't had any further jabs and don't intend to.

caroline_284 profile image
caroline_284 in reply to ciye

Thank you for your reply

Purplechoclover profile image
Purplechoclover

Im a type 1 diabetic (41 years ive hd it) and just recently diagnosed with a liver blood clot and essential Thrombocythemia. I havent had any of the vaccines from the very beginning as i felt they werent being entirely truthful as to what was in them but that is my own choice. Touch wood ive never caught covid and have found my neighbours and friends and family yhey have caught it but there vaccinated. Go with your own gut instinct ☺️

netty64 profile image
netty64

I've had both phizer and the astra zenica in the past this time with no problem, last week I had the moderna, bit of a sore and that's it.

hall2 profile image
hall2

I ve had it it was Moderna I felt a bit wonky the next day but fine after that!

AndyT profile image
AndyT

I had mine (9th) a few weeks ago and have had no adverse effects. Like you I’ve had mainly Pfizer in the past but this was my second Moderna and I don’t think there’s any issue with that - the key is to have whichever vaccine is best able to deal with recent and current variants.

I had Covid for the first time just over a year ago and took antivirals. Overall it was quite mild but I attribute that to keeping my immunity boosted with vaccinations when they are offered.

JV4E profile image
JV4E

I had Novavax which I paid for privately. I am eligible for a free jab on the NHS but they were doing only Moderna or Pfizer which I always feel very unwell after having. My view is that it seems possible that multiple infections could increase your chance of long covid and that even mild cold - like infections could be causing damage inside your body to various organs that manifest themselves later. So it's better not to catch it and definitely better not to keep catching it. I'm aware vaccines aren't a silver bullet, but at the moment they are all we've got. Novavax was much better for me in terms of side effects.

This is all my own opinion and it is obviously up to others to make their own choices on this , as the variety of responses on here demonstrate.

gilded profile image
gilded

Hi Caroline! I also always had Pfizer in the past. Last month I had Moderna at local pharmacy. No adverse reaction.

ArchieCatPurr profile image
ArchieCatPurr

Hi, I had my Spring boost on 27th April. Everything went smoothly. My only complaint was a sore arm where the injection went in, that went away after a few days. No side effects whatsoever!Now glad I received the jab, it means my protection is up to date.

Tortina profile image
Tortina

I had my Modena booster this week . In the UK the boosters that are being given on the NHS are all Moderna . It has been tweaked to take into account the latest covid strain .

Yes I had an aching and sore arm for a day and also felt tired for a day but that was it . Nothing bad and I took paracetamol to relieve my arm discomfort .

I am a believer in having the covid jabs and boosters and so is my consultant who leads the stem cells unit I attend in the UK .

I have friends who are suffering with long covid and would not want to be in their shoes . It’s definitely best to avoid getting Covid if possible .

Everyone makes their own personal choices but I think it’s a good thing to have the covid vaccines.

Tortina

Garstongal profile image
Garstongal

i have had a mixture of Pfizer and Moderna all the way through with no problems at all…just had my 9th!

Cokopops profile image
Cokopops

Hi Caroline. My husband and I had the Covid Moderna vaccine few days ago. Absolutely no side effect. Always had the Pfizer before. I was in two minds about having it as well, but then changed my mind when my step daughter got Covid last week. She was really ill. So I thought, better safe than sorry. Good luck!

Ginger1017 profile image
Ginger1017

No! Absolutely not. COVID vaccines have been proven not to work! Also causes blood clots! Not worth the gamble on your health. Most of us had COVID and got over it

saltmarsh profile image
saltmarsh in reply to Ginger1017

Tell that to the 36million people worldwide who died from covid.

Ginger1017 profile image
Ginger1017 in reply to saltmarsh

Most who died did so because of hospital protocol! Just wait to see how many will die and have already from the shot. This is now proven.... They buried loads of evidence and it is now coming out.

EPguy profile image
EPguy in reply to Ginger1017

I am a person who suffered a horrible and permanent vaccine injury. But I feel most patients should get recommended vaxes even if I cannot. You're correct that the Covid vaxes do not prevent infection as well as, for example, the measles vax. But they do reduce the odds of a severe outcome. Where the "scandal" exists it's the lack of standardized guidance on spacing vaxes apart in time.

The blood clot risk you note was rare but real. It was associated with the adenovirus type covid vaxes (J&J and AZ) These are no longer offered.

azaelea profile image
azaelea

Hi Caroline, my thoughts were exactly the same as yours, in fact I posted on here a few weeks ago. I asked at GP’s before going for jab, which Vax it was and cancelled when they said Moderna. I subsequently phoned six pharmacies in my area and all only had Moderna so I haven’t had this latest one but have had all the others which were Pfizer, it’s 8 I think. I also read an article stating that Pfizer was better than Moderna for the elderly ( which I am) , because it had less risk of stroke etc. I’ll see what happens for the winter one, but think I’ll have to bite the bullet. Regards, Fran

Janis12 profile image
Janis12

Hi, I have received 8 covid jabs up to the present time, various ones with no adverse reactions. My friend who is also immune supressed decided not to bother with her last jab and developed covid which made her very poorly but glad to say she re covered to the words 'I will never make that mistake again'. another couple of friends, elderly but fit and sporty decided against any covid jabs and they are both now dead as a result of that decision. A number of conditions are now on the increase again due to parents not wanting their children vaccinated....the days of TB, polio, small pox etc etc, lets not go back there. I do worry about possible adverse reactions but at the current time I am happy to take the risk, these vaccines have saved millions of lives.

GardNerd profile image
GardNerd

I’ve had Moderna every time, and I get one at every interval they recommend. My arm was sore, and I felt a little under the weather for several hours (definitely less than a day). I know COVID can be like a bad cold these days, but I don’t want to take any chances. I mostly stay up on the vaccines, because I don’t want to risk getting Long COVID. For me, the risk of that is what distinguishes COVID from the flu and typical colds.

Yarnhabit profile image
Yarnhabit

I had Moderna twice in the beginning then three or four Phizer three or four times then back to Moderna two weeks ago. I was fine with all but the first two but not as bad as others- I likened it to being hungover and drunk at the same time. I have only had COVID once, I am a secondary school teacher working on site during lockdowns with vulnerable children and even when very close colleagues had it I didn’t get it until my husband picked it up from the Nursing home he was working at. Even then it was a bad summer old. All of this was before my MPN diagnosis, I am generally very healthy apart from headaches and fatigue.

Two weeks ago I just had a sore arm, I think you need to weigh up what is best for you, having had Moderna before I wasn’t bothered.

Wishing you well

Ovidess profile image
Ovidess

I often have some illness or malaise after both flu and covid injections. I have never had Covid, to my knowledge. I test when I feel crummy but to be honest am wearing a mask in public less often. (not so smart, but oh so tempting) I have had all Moderna boosters except two, including this spring's. I hope to ride out the summer without Covid. I currently have a lot of PV or Besremi side effects to deal with, and hate to add to the mix. I think I'll probably have both flu and covid shots (if updated to new variety) in the fall, separated by a month if possible.

FlannelPJs profile image
FlannelPJs

my hematologist oncologist is adamant that I need to keep up on my boosters. He has not specified type. He said that he visits people in the hospital with Covid frequently and almost without exception, the ones who do not survive have not been vaccinated. I have had Covid twice - both times after traveling internationally. I recovered well; I am fully vaccinated and most of my vaccines have been Moderna. I did receive a Pfizer once. I had pretty much the same reaction to both; sore arm and fatigue for a day. I will add that my husband has giant cell arteritis and his primary doctor will not rule out that it was caused brought on by the vaccine. But, like many have said, there are still some unknowns.

EPguy profile image
EPguy in reply to FlannelPJs

So sorry to hear of your husband's possible vaccine injury. I also have suffered a permanent (flu) vaccine injury.

When your Dr said "the ones who do not survive have not been vaccinated" is that never vaxxed or not having the latest covid vax? My understanding has been "never vaxxed" is the highest risk. Some of my Drs have told me not to get any further vaxes.

You may have seen my post above noting the Moderna vax is a larger dose than the pfizer.

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