September Covid @Content

[noodleoo]

Sept 13, 2023 10:32:25 GMT -5 Susie said:

DS (4) has gotten Moderna all the way through, which I had to drive to a Walgreens to get since his pedi only had Pfizer.  He was 3 then, so he was just old enough when it became available.  I hadn't considered that I might be creating a situation where we would struggle to find somewhere to give him Moderna at 4, and he might be ineligible to get anything else.  Man.

DD (7) had Pfizer monovalent and Moderna bivalent.  I'll have to figure out what that means for her eligibility.

I'm so so grateful to have vaccines, and updated ones, and I don't want to undercut that.  However, I am so exhausted at trying to figure out who can get what, when, where, and how near/far away.

Liking in solidarity at the bolded.  So tired of the mental load around this.

I just made flu shot appts for the kids at the pedi in 2 weeks.  I'm hoping they have the Covid boosters by then and can do them at the same time.  That would make my life so much easier.

For adults CVS has both Pfizer and Moderna. Is there a difference anymore? I got Pfizer initially and Moderna as a booster last year.

[seeyalater52]

Sept 13, 2023 10:32:25 GMT -5 Susie said:

DS (4) has gotten Moderna all the way through, which I had to drive to a Walgreens to get since his pedi only had Pfizer.  He was 3 then, so he was just old enough when it became available.  I hadn't considered that I might be creating a situation where we would struggle to find somewhere to give him Moderna at 4, and he might be ineligible to get anything else.  Man.

DD (7) had Pfizer monovalent and Moderna bivalent.  I'll have to figure out what that means for her eligibility.

I'm so so grateful to have vaccines, and updated ones, and I don't want to undercut that.  However, I am so exhausted at trying to figure out who can get what, when, where, and how near/far away.

They continue to make this incredibly annoying for people responsible for kids under 5.

On a better note, 5+ can all get any booster so that should help make it simpler for your other kiddo.

[seeyalater52]

Sept 13, 2023 10:15:44 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

@@@
CVS in my area has appointments available for adults starting Saturday. But no appts for the kids yet. Is the dosage different for kids? DD1 is 8 and I assumed she'd be able to get it at the pharmacy like we did last year. For DD2 who won't be 5 for another few weeks, it says we have to schedule at a CVS Minute Clinic because she's under 5 but there aren't any near us. What a pain! I hope our pedi office will carry it.

The dosage is different for adults and kids under I think 12 for both vaccines but don’t quote me on that, as I don’t have time to look for the slide. And <5 is a different dose than kids 5-11.

What you’re seeing for under 5 at pharmacies local to you is roughly local to me as well and I’m honestly really pissy about it. That said, in your case I wouldn't hesitate at all to just wait for your daughter’s 5th birthday if you can’t get a dose earlier from your pedi.

[turboteal]

I googled a bit and found that the AAP says you can mix and match for kids where authorization requires the same vaccine series in a few circumstances:

Same vaccine not available
Previous dose unknown
Person would otherwise not complete the series
Person starts one series but unable to complete due to contraindication

www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/covid-19-vaccine-for-children/about-the-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions/

It's just a few questions down. I'm guessing this is why our hospital didn't say anything about mixing my 4 yrs old's doses, they only had the pfizer dose this summer so moderna was not an option. I appreciate that they didn't create an extra barrier there and just followed this exception guideline to make sure kids here can just get fully vaccinated!

[seeyalater52]

Sept 13, 2023 11:37:52 GMT -5 turboteal said:

I googled a bit and found that the AAP says you can mix and match for kids where authorization requires the same vaccine series in a few circumstances:

Same vaccine not available
Previous dose unknown
Person would otherwise not complete the series
Person starts one series but unable to complete due to contraindication

www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/covid-19-vaccine-for-children/about-the-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions/

It's just a few questions down. I'm guessing this is why our hospital didn't say anything about mixing my 4 yrs old's doses, they only had the pfizer dose this summer so moderna was not an option. I appreciate that they didn't create an extra barrier there and just followed this exception guideline to make sure kids here can just get fully vaccinated!

While this is technically true, it is the older guidance from the primary series back when it was 2 or 3 shots for the <5 age group to complete the primary series. This is a bit different from the situation folks are concerned about with mixing doses for subsequent boosters. They have not to my knowledge released any additional guidance. Some pediatricians may feel comfortable extrapolating from this older guidance, or don’t ask for proof of prior vax but YMMV whether they allow it. Lots of vaccinators also have no idea that this recommendation is different for this age group so certainly there have been people who have been and will continue to be vaccinated cross matching regardless.

For what it’s worth there is no real medical reason to avoid mixing and matching for this age group, it just wasn’t studied so there isn’t data on it (aside from the real world data that it is fine in every other age group.)

[hermione]

Sept 13, 2023 11:10:12 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Sept 13, 2023 10:32:25 GMT -5 Susie said:

DS (4) has gotten Moderna all the way through, which I had to drive to a Walgreens to get since his pedi only had Pfizer.  He was 3 then, so he was just old enough when it became available.  I hadn't considered that I might be creating a situation where we would struggle to find somewhere to give him Moderna at 4, and he might be ineligible to get anything else.  Man.

DD (7) had Pfizer monovalent and Moderna bivalent.  I'll have to figure out what that means for her eligibility.

I'm so so grateful to have vaccines, and updated ones, and I don't want to undercut that.  However, I am so exhausted at trying to figure out who can get what, when, where, and how near/far away.

Liking in solidarity at the bolded.  So tired of the mental load around this.

I just made flu shot appts for the kids at the pedi in 2 weeks.  I'm hoping they have the Covid boosters by then and can do them at the same time.  That would make my life so much easier.

For adults CVS has both Pfizer and Moderna. Is there a difference anymore? I got Pfizer initially and Moderna as a booster last year.

Wondering this too.

[waverly]

@ The kids had Pfizer all along, so they are continuing that.

I have less symptoms with Pfizer than Moderna. Moderna seemed to have higher protections initially but I can't handle the side effects, and I've had all the other shots, so I am just sticking with Pfizer now going forward.  I booked all 4 of us at Walgreens in town that has Pfizer versus driving, so that helps too.  Walgreens says age 6+ for Covid vaccine which might be state specific. 

[5kcandlesinthewind]

Sept 13, 2023 11:10:12 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Sept 13, 2023 10:32:25 GMT -5 Susie said:

DS (4) has gotten Moderna all the way through, which I had to drive to a Walgreens to get since his pedi only had Pfizer.  He was 3 then, so he was just old enough when it became available.  I hadn't considered that I might be creating a situation where we would struggle to find somewhere to give him Moderna at 4, and he might be ineligible to get anything else.  Man.

DD (7) had Pfizer monovalent and Moderna bivalent.  I'll have to figure out what that means for her eligibility.

I'm so so grateful to have vaccines, and updated ones, and I don't want to undercut that.  However, I am so exhausted at trying to figure out who can get what, when, where, and how near/far away.

Liking in solidarity at the bolded.  So tired of the mental load around this.

I just made flu shot appts for the kids at the pedi in 2 weeks.  I'm hoping they have the Covid boosters by then and can do them at the same time.  That would make my life so much easier.

For adults CVS has both Pfizer and Moderna. Is there a difference anymore? I got Pfizer initially and Moderna as a booster last year.

Try Walgreens- CVS wasn't letting me book for my 8 year old, but Walgreens had appointments for him, and I could add a flu shot (I think...I already had an appointment at the pediatrician for that).  It said 3 and up, though if they are 3-5, you can't book them as part of a group appointment and need to schedule it individually.  Good luck!

[Saudade]

Sept 13, 2023 15:18:16 GMT -5 5kcandlesinthewind said:

Sept 13, 2023 11:10:12 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Liking in solidarity at the bolded.  So tired of the mental load around this.

I just made flu shot appts for the kids at the pedi in 2 weeks.  I'm hoping they have the Covid boosters by then and can do them at the same time.  That would make my life so much easier.

For adults CVS has both Pfizer and Moderna. Is there a difference anymore? I got Pfizer initially and Moderna as a booster last year.

Try Walgreens- CVS wasn't letting me book for my 8 year old, but Walgreens had appointments for him, and I could add a flu shot (I think...I already had an appointment at the pediatrician for that).  It said 3 and up, though if they are 3-5, you can't book them as part of a group appointment and need to schedule it individually.  Good luck!

How can you determine if Walgreens is offering the updated vaccine? I'm going to book my kids but it doesn't specify whether it's the newest or not.

[pixy0stix]

Upon further reflection, kiddo had his booster at the end of January. If we're following a yearly model (are we?) then it would be too soon.

My last booster was at the end of October, so I'm probably due for the new one.

[waverly]

Sept 13, 2023 15:47:12 GMT -5 Saudade said:

Sept 13, 2023 15:18:16 GMT -5 5kcandlesinthewind said:

Try Walgreens- CVS wasn't letting me book for my 8 year old, but Walgreens had appointments for him, and I could add a flu shot (I think...I already had an appointment at the pediatrician for that).  It said 3 and up, though if they are 3-5, you can't book them as part of a group appointment and need to schedule it individually.  Good luck!

How can you determine if Walgreens is offering the updated vaccine? I'm going to book my kids but it doesn't specify whether it's the newest or not.

It said on the website, the newest Covid vaccine and didn't let me book until next week, so I am assuming.  It's only a mile from my house so if I am wrong then we will rebook.  

[fortnightlily]

Sept 13, 2023 15:51:15 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Upon further reflection, kiddo had his booster at the end of January. If we're following a yearly model (are we?) then it would be too soon.

My last booster was at the end of October, so I'm probably due for the new one.

I think anything past 6 months you're better off timing based on expected peaks and exposures so I wouldn't wait for January if it were me. Then you're facing further mutations from what the shot is matched to, also.

[macmars45]

How long do I wait for a booster if I just had covid in July? My whole family had it in July (sharing is caring) /s.

[tacokick]

People who got another booster can get it if it’s been 2 months.

People who had Covid recently can get it after 3 months

www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/09/13/1198803134/covid-boosters-updated-vaccines-fda-cdc

[seeyalater52]

Sept 13, 2023 17:42:43 GMT -5 fortnightlily said:

Sept 13, 2023 15:51:15 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Upon further reflection, kiddo had his booster at the end of January. If we're following a yearly model (are we?) then it would be too soon.

My last booster was at the end of October, so I'm probably due for the new one.

I think anything past 6 months you're better off timing based on expected peaks and exposures so I wouldn't wait for January if it were me. Then you're facing further mutations from what the shot is matched to, also.

I agree with this. It will likely be a yearly booster at this point unless something really major changes which I doubt will happen. It isn’t entirely seasonal, but we know covid cases are going up and are expected to spike later this fall. Given what we know about the waves right now I’d rather have protection for the next 6 months or so with a well-matched vaccine than try to space it and risk poor protection against what we know is surging now.

[dancingirl21]

Thanks for the update on this. DH and I are flying to Europe next weekend. I scheduled appointments for Monday for both Covid and flu vaccines. I know we won’t be protected going there, but will be when we fly home. It’s better than nothing. I’m hoping the boosters are actually available on Monday. We’ll see.

I also scheduled the kids for Tuesday night for both. Hoping they don’t have any reactions and are fine for school on Wednesday. DS1 usually gets a lump in his armpit and DS2 hasn’t had any reactions previously.

[hermione]

Is there any talk of when protection will peak? Basically, I am wondering should we get shots now or wait until late October to better time for the holidays?

[noodleoo]

Sept 14, 2023 7:23:46 GMT -5 hermione said:

Is there any talk of when protection will peak? Basically, I am wondering should we get shots now or wait until late October to better time for the holidays?

This is what I'm wondering too.  Flu peaked early last year but Covid was later.  But who knows if they will follow the same pattern?

YLE said to get shots before Halloween.  I think I'm going to wait until mid October.  Although it is going around now and I'm worried about kids bringing it home from school.  So I can't decide.

[formerlyak]

Sept 13, 2023 10:15:44 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

@@@
CVS in my area has appointments available for adults starting Saturday. But no appts for the kids yet. Is the dosage different for kids? DD1 is 8 and I assumed she'd be able to get it at the pharmacy like we did last year. For DD2 who won't be 5 for another few weeks, it says we have to schedule at a CVS Minute Clinic because she's under 5 but there aren't any near us. What a pain! I hope our pedi office will carry it.

Same with CVS in my area. I could get appointments for this weekend for DH, the teen and me for both Covid “2023-24” and flu, but only flu for the 9 year old.

[hermione]

Sept 14, 2023 8:25:09 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Sept 14, 2023 7:23:46 GMT -5 hermione said:

Is there any talk of when protection will peak? Basically, I am wondering should we get shots now or wait until late October to better time for the holidays?

This is what I'm wondering too.  Flu peaked early last year but Covid was later.  But who knows if they will follow the same pattern?

YLE said to get shots before Halloween.  I think I'm going to wait until mid October.  Although it is going around now and I'm worried about kids bringing it home from school.  So I can't decide.

Exactly the same. I think I am just going to book soon. I feel like it's closing in around us!

[tacokick]

Sept 14, 2023 7:23:46 GMT -5 hermione said:

Is there any talk of when protection will peak? Basically, I am wondering should we get shots now or wait until late October to better time for the holidays?

“He said Covid vaccines take around two weeks to produce an immune response against the virus, and that protection tends to last for a few months.”

www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/13/new-covid-vaccines-from-pfizer-and-moderna-what-you-need-to-know.html

People 65 and older can get a second booster in 4 months if that helps.

[litebright]

Sept 14, 2023 8:25:09 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Sept 14, 2023 7:23:46 GMT -5 hermione said:

Is there any talk of when protection will peak? Basically, I am wondering should we get shots now or wait until late October to better time for the holidays?

This is what I'm wondering too.  Flu peaked early last year but Covid was later.  But who knows if they will follow the same pattern?

YLE said to get shots before Halloween.  I think I'm going to wait until mid October.  Although it is going around now and I'm worried about kids bringing it home from school.  So I can't decide.

I'm having the same indecision. I'm in the school almost every day right now for our fall play, working with 40+ kids, and a couple of them are currently out with covid. I wish my kids and I had extra protection right now, but we're all going to need it even more in the Feb/March timeframe (musical season). But I don't want to wait any longer than mid-Octoberish for both flu and covid shots.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Sept 13, 2023 10:15:44 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

@@@
CVS in my area has appointments available for adults starting Saturday. But no appts for the kids yet. Is the dosage different for kids? DD1 is 8 and I assumed she'd be able to get it at the pharmacy like we did last year. For DD2 who won't be 5 for another few weeks, it says we have to schedule at a CVS Minute Clinic because she's under 5 but there aren't any near us. What a pain! I hope our pedi office will carry it.

My CVS is the same right now.

[tacokick]

Sept 13, 2023 15:47:12 GMT -5 Saudade said:

How can you determine if Walgreens is offering the updated vaccine? I'm going to book my kids but it doesn't specify whether it's the newest or not.

I didn’t see if anyone responded because the app is being funky but pharmacies shouldn’t have the old bivalent boosters anymore because it’s no longer authorized for use in the US. Any booster now should be the new one.

www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/13/new-covid-vaccines-from-pfizer-and-moderna-what-you-need-to-know.html

[StrawberryBlondie]

Sept 14, 2023 11:29:34 GMT -5 tacokick said:

Sept 13, 2023 15:47:12 GMT -5 Saudade said:

How can you determine if Walgreens is offering the updated vaccine? I'm going to book my kids but it doesn't specify whether it's the newest or not.

I didn’t see if anyone responded because the app is being funky but pharmacies shouldn’t have the old bivalent boosters anymore because it’s no longer authorized for use in the US. Any booster now should be the new one.

www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/09/13/new-covid-vaccines-from-pfizer-and-moderna-what-you-need-to-know.html

Adding on to this, my Walgreens has no appointments for about a week and let you schedule for later in the month. I assume that's related to not having the old boosters and needing to get the new ones.

[hermione]

I can't find anywhere near me that knows when they will get the vaccine - including the health department.

[fluffycookie]

I have an appointment at CVS for Tuesday. I plan to call before going to make sure it's the newest version. I need to get DS an appointment as well, but I am waiting for his work schedule to come out before making an appointment. I plan to get the flu shot about a week to 10 days later and DS will get it at his IVIG appointment in early October.

[hermione]

Ok, I booked us all for October 6th. Walgreens was taking kid appts even though they start a bit after adult. We’ll do flu and COVID.

[StrawberryBlondie]

Maybe a dumb question - there's no issue with getting the flu & covid vaccines a few days apart, is there? I just realized I scheduled myself for a COVID shot on a Sunday and flu shot that Wednesday.

I assume no since you can get them at the same time but just want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything.

[tiramisu]

I know we've mostly moved on, but my COVID symptoms this time (3rd infection, plus I'm as vaccinated and boosted as I can be) were nasal congestion, headache, what felt like swollen glands and then swollen tonsils at the top of my throat and where you'd feel post-nasal drip (not a true sore throat), fatigue, and explosive diarrhea the day I tested positive (thankfully not again after that). It did feel like it was trying to turn into a sinus infection, which I'm prone to. So I finally remembered to start irrigating (powered irrigator, but the squeeze bottles work, too). I really think that helped because I was testing STRONGLY positive on day 5 and 6, but then one week after I first tested positive, I was negative and remained that way. Just don't irrigate before you test, that could give a false negative. I was afraid I'd end up with some long symptoms from this infection, but thankfully did not. Because of my recent infection, I'm going to wait for my booster. Otherwise I'd probably get the flu shot and COVID dose around the same time or even together.