@@@@@@ 5-11 year old booster

[waverly]

Velar Fricative , You aren't wrong. So that is why I am not chomping at the bit to get a 2nd booster considering I don't meet the criteria, yet. And the side effects are terrible for me.

But for my kids (5-11), I definitely want to go ahead and get the booster for them for several reasons. I said upthread they haven't gotten Covid that I know of, they may certainly have had it that I did not know of and didn't test positive. The more protected they are now, the more time there will be to develop treatments. For example, Remdesevir was authorized for all age groups recently. Will some of the anti virals also be authorized at some point in time?

sillygoosegirl , I expect that there will be a time that the government stops paying for vaccines and treatments. I am not sure why they would say insurance companies are not allowed to pay for them though? Your situation may vary, so no judgement here. But I am not assuming I need a second booster until the FDA and CDC say I need a second booster.  I know they aren't the greatest agencies of all time, but I have followed them the whole time for work purposes, so I am just going to keep doing that because it is easier for my decision making.  

[Velar Fricative]

Oh, to be clear - my kids are getting boosted when they can. Three doses are clearly pretty effective. But as I was reading through responses my mind was wandering towards a million different places so my previous post was all over the place for that reason.

And lilac05, I'm actually looking at this much differently than I am of the flu. There is very clearly seasonality with the flu, and getting a shot each year is NBD knowing it will reduce my chances of both getting the flu and getting severely ill from the flu. But now we're looking at waves every 3 months with covid. So I'm just wondering out loud where we go from here. But, I acknowledge we're still only 2.5 years into covid so there's no ability to read the future.

[osulori]

waverly, I feel the same. My vaccinated kid will absolutely be getting the booster, it's more a matter of do it asap knowing we've got vacation next month (driving to Myrtle Beach and sharing a house with extended but vaccinated family members) and he's got multiple camps lined up (one outdoor, one a combo of indoor/outdoor) or closer to school starting in August.

Still grumbling over the lack of any vaccine for my almost 3 year old though. Hmph.

[dulcemariamar]

If the vaccine protects from death and severe illness, how long does that benefit last? Do we need to get a booster every 5-6 months to prevent death? Because I can imagine getting one every year like the flu shot but twice a year seems too much.

[waverly]

May 17, 2022 14:20:26 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

If the vaccine protects from death and severe illness, how long does that benefit last? Do we need to get a booster every 5-6 months to prevent death? Because I can imagine getting one every year like the flu shot but twice a year seems too much.

From what I have read the vaccines have not really stopped preventing deaths, but they have stopped preventing infections.  And, there is a slight decrease in their efficacy towards hospitalization and deaths which is why they have recommended booster #1.  And in older adults that decrease is a little more significant, so that is why they have recommended booster #2 in that age group or for those that are immunocompromised. 

I too, am hoping that in the future given my side effects that it is not more than once a year (if that).  There have been some rumblings about it being once a year in the fall as there is a larger caseload in my region in the winter, but they have not officially announced that yet to my knowledge. 

Any while antibodies have dropped off there are also the T-cells that have memory of the disease that helps to protect.  And there are variants, so there are some unknowns also.  I would like to see a vaccine closer matched to Omicron and less variants in the future.  I realize I have no control over either of those, but that would be helpful.  

[lilac05]

Velar Fricative, I was just reading yesterday how the flu is now less seasonal, too. In our area, we’re seeing a big increase in Influenza A, which is generally unheard of by this time of year. The report said they’re not sure if this is just because of the delayed exposures and such from people wearing masks or if it’ll be a trend that sticks around.

The reason I’d consider delaying a booster would be to give them the most benefit when they’re the most exposed. They’ve had Covid and 2 doses, and our summer activities are all outdoors. No camps or anything more than just a restaurant or quick store visit. I want them as protected as possible when they go back to school crammed in with no masks in the fall. So…more weighing pros/cons and risks/benefits.

One thing I’ve been looking to find data on is reinfection after different strains of the virus. I feel like right now, I’m hearing a lot of stories of people who got OG Omicron and are now getting the variants. I’ve had several friends who had it over the winter get it again late spring. But no one that I know of who had Delta late summer/fall has had it again this Spring. I’m trying to see if there’s any data about that or if it’s just an anecdote.

[AdaraMarie]

Hmm, now I have a dilemma that I didn't have yesterday. Dd1 turns 12 in July so I was looking forward to getting her boosted with an adult dose before school starts. But now I might have the option to get her boosted with a lower dose before she goes to overnight camp in June. Not sure which is better but will see their doctor with dd2 and be able to ask their opinion then.
Seems like it would be better for dd2 to do it closer to when school starts since she is not going to camp.
I'm glad that they approved this since it's been 6 months since my kids were vaccinated but now I feel even worse for my friend whose kid won't be 5 until after they go on a long trip to see family.

[hermione]

We will likely boost when it’s available. Our strategy continues to be to deal with the problem in front of us. That’s this surge. We’ll go asap with the hopes that there will be a fall booster we can then get asap. October would be ideal for the holidays. Our doctor is predicting a combined fall COVID/flu vaccine for everyone so I’ll hope for that.

[momof2ms]

They let me schedule my 7 year old to get his booster tomorrow at his pediatrician. Will update if it happens or not!

[goldengirlz]

May 17, 2022 13:31:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Now that we know you can basically get covid as often as every 90ish days, and that boosters don't significantly reduce infection rates, and that new variants will happen...I really hate all of this calculus we have to do to figure out the right timing.

And I kinda feel like an antivaxxer thinking about all of this but...like, at what point do we just say "Ya know, I've had four doses already and if my goal is to avoid the hospital and death, I've accomplished that. And if we don't know what variants will arise, how do we know the current boosters will be helpful?" I just feel like we are going to be eternally chasing the newest variant with an appropriate booster, way more often than we have to do with the flu each year.

Talk me down.

Well, many doctors ARE skeptical about the need for more boosters, especially for younger people and those without chronic health conditions.

I think we need more data. If protection against severe disease starts to wane, for example, then of course we’d all want another booster. Or if there’s a particularly severe variant. The flu vaccine is updated every year because we can more or less predict the strains that will be in circulation. If we can get that precise with covid variants, that could be another argument for regular boosters.

[sonrisa]

May 17, 2022 15:23:42 GMT -5 AdaraMarie said:

Hmm, now I have a dilemma that I didn't have yesterday. 

That is a tricky decision. And waiting for 12 means you can mix and match Moderna if you want. 

[sillygoosegirl]

May 17, 2022 18:53:48 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

May 17, 2022 15:23:42 GMT -5 AdaraMarie said:

Hmm, now I have a dilemma that I didn't have yesterday. 

That is a tricky decision. And waiting for 12 means you can mix and match Moderna if you want. 

Wait, what?  Isn't Moderna still only 18+?  Or are we expecting that they may approve 7-17 this summer when they approve the 6 mo-6 year Moderna vaccine?  I gotta say I'm totally hoping for that, but haven't heard a peep suggesting we should expect it.  

[sonrisa]

May 17, 2022 18:56:54 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

May 17, 2022 18:53:48 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

That is a tricky decision. And waiting for 12 means you can mix and match Moderna if you want. 

Wait, what?  Isn't Moderna still only 18+?  Or are we expecting that they may approve 7-17 this summer when they approve the 6 mo-6 year Moderna vaccine?  I gotta say I'm totally hoping for that, but haven't heard a peep suggesting we should expect it.  

Ugh. You are right. Sorry!

[mysteriouswife]

I scheduled DS (6) for next week at Walgreens

[waverly]

May 17, 2022 20:58:12 GMT -5 mysteriouswife said:

I scheduled DS (6) for next week at Walgreens

It still says DS is too young when I try. It says only for ages 12+

[formerlyak]

May 17, 2022 22:15:18 GMT -5 waverly said:

May 17, 2022 20:58:12 GMT -5 mysteriouswife said:

I scheduled DS (6) for next week at Walgreens

It still says DS is too young when I try. It says only for ages 12+

I got the same message. When I was getting my booster yesterday at CVS, the pharmacist said that it takes a few days to get into the corporate systems like theirs and if we wanted to get it sooner, local independent pharmacies are the way to go.

[waverly]

formerlyak, Do we not have to wait until the CDC signs off on Thursday? That was what I was thinking anyway...

[formerlyak]

May 18, 2022 10:01:46 GMT -5 waverly said:

formerlyak, Do we not have to wait until the CDC signs off on Thursday? That was what I was thinking anyway...

I honestly don’t know. With my 15 year old, the local pharmacy was giving them as soon as the FDA approval was announced.

[secretagent]

I worked in a vaccine/booster required facility, and we've been advised by occupational health to wait on the next booster (unless otherwise advised by primary care of course).  I'm assuming this is due to expected changes in formulation due to variants (I hope?). I'll get my kids boostered when I am advised to get another one, which I am guessing will be early fall. 

[mysteriouswife]

May 18, 2022 10:01:46 GMT -5 waverly said:

formerlyak, Do we not have to wait until the CDC signs off on Thursday? That was what I was thinking anyway...

I was wondering if that is why I had to schedule the appointment for next week. It’s odd I could schedule and no one else I know has been able. I even checked the conformation. It’s showing booster and his DOB.

[picksthemusic]

Trying to decide if I'll get the kids boosted now or before school. They will be in summer school, and so my inclination is sooner rather than later, because who knows - maybe there'll be another booster later. *lolsob*

Part of me also wants to wait for the Moderna 7-17 shot so they can get that.

Ugh.

[picksthemusic]

May 18, 2022 10:01:46 GMT -5 waverly said:

formerlyak , Do we not have to wait until the CDC signs off on Thursday? That was what I was thinking anyway...

We aren't allowed to give boosters or schedule them until the CDC gives the sign-off and our corporate folks are able to get it into the EMR. So it does take some time once it's approved.

[jeaniebueller]

I’m also debating whether to wait until like July for her booster since after 6/7, she’ll just be home until school starts

[lea]

I’m also likely considering holding off until at least my kids’ physicals in August to get a booster. And as I’ll likely be going back to work in a school this fall, I probably would wait until around that time to get a second booster, assuming they approve it, and I’ll do Moderna after 3 Pfizers if I’m able to.

Moderna has a more specific vaccine in the works so I’m curious to see if any more data comes out about it over the summer.

If I recall, I read this the effectiveness of this year’s flu shot was really low and I just have a feeling it’ll be the same guessing game with COVID boosters every year if that’s what they do. So I’m just hoping eventually this thing mutates to be not any worse than an average cold. 😕

[starburst604]

May 17, 2022 17:58:07 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

May 17, 2022 13:31:50 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

Now that we know you can basically get covid as often as every 90ish days, and that boosters don't significantly reduce infection rates, and that new variants will happen...I really hate all of this calculus we have to do to figure out the right timing.

And I kinda feel like an antivaxxer thinking about all of this but...like, at what point do we just say "Ya know, I've had four doses already and if my goal is to avoid the hospital and death, I've accomplished that. And if we don't know what variants will arise, how do we know the current boosters will be helpful?" I just feel like we are going to be eternally chasing the newest variant with an appropriate booster, way more often than we have to do with the flu each year.

Talk me down.

Well, many doctors ARE skeptical about the need for more boosters, especially for younger people and those without chronic health conditions.

I think we need more data. If protection against severe disease starts to wane, for example, then of course we’d all want another booster. Or if there’s a particularly severe variant. The flu vaccine is updated every year because we can more or less predict the strains that will be in circulation. If we can get that precise with covid variants, that could be another argument for regular boosters.

Yes, DD (7) had her physical yesterday. I didn’t realize the booster was so close to being approved, but the doctor brought it up and said there’s no harm in getting it but she’s not sure how necessary it is at this time. She was all about the initial shots so she’s by no means anti-vax. Im feeling like how many shots do kids/people need to be getting in the span of a year? Especially those who have a strong side effect reaction to the shots. We’ll probably hold off on any boosters for ourselves and DD until the fall/winter and roll them in with the annual flu shot.

[goldengirlz]

FWIW, my DD will probably get a booster. My H just got his fourth shot after his doctor recommended it (he’s on an immunosuppressive drug.) He probably would have held off if people were still wearing masks, but I think he’ll be a lot happier this way, especially because he has to fly for an upcoming business trip. I just got back from a work trip and only 50% of people were masking in the airport, though it was closer to 80% on the plane itself (because SF, I guess.)

[osulori]

I just heard back from the pedi...she suggested I take 1.0 for an antibody test 2-3 weeks before our vacation (which is in less than a month so this would need to happen soon) to make sure he still has antibodies and assuming that's the case hold off on the booster until closer to school starting. (second vax dose was 5.5 months ago)

[TR]

May 19, 2022 9:11:11 GMT -5 goldengirlz said:

FWIW, my DD will probably get a booster. My H just got his fourth shot after his doctor recommended it (he’s on an immunosuppressive drug.) He probably would have held off if people were still wearing masks, but I think he’ll be a lot happier this way, especially because he has to fly for an upcoming business trip. I just got back from a work trip and only 50% of people were masking in the airport, though it was closer to 80% on the plane itself (because SF, I guess.)

Definitely. We flew between TX and FL last weekend and it was...not like that on either flight. I'd guess it was around 5%-10% of people wearing masks.

[lemoncupcake]

May 19, 2022 10:57:58 GMT -5 osulori said:

I just heard back from the pedi...she suggested I take 1.0 for an antibody test 2-3 weeks before our vacation (which is in less than a month so this would need to happen soon) to make sure he still has antibodies and assuming that's the case hold off on the booster until closer to school starting. (second vax dose was 5.5 months ago)

What # will you use as a guideline though? I hadn’t seen anything come out with what number is good vs not good enough.

[osulori]

May 19, 2022 11:14:46 GMT -5 lemoncupcake said:

May 19, 2022 10:57:58 GMT -5 osulori said:

I just heard back from the pedi...she suggested I take 1.0 for an antibody test 2-3 weeks before our vacation (which is in less than a month so this would need to happen soon) to make sure he still has antibodies and assuming that's the case hold off on the booster until closer to school starting. (second vax dose was 5.5 months ago)

What # will you use as a guideline though? I hadn’t seen anything come out with what number is good vs not good enough.

That is a question I will definitely put in my follow up message to her...like you, I haven't seen clear info on what's considered enough versus not.  I'm not 100% convinced I'll take him in for antibody testing anyway-to be completely honest 1.0 has some awesome needle anxiety and while he will usually cooperate with bribery I honestly don't know that I have time to mess with scheduling one more damn thing before vacation.