HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinecovid vaccinationShould a booster shot be the same vaccine brand as the previous two doses?

Should I take a booster shot of the same vaccine brand as my last two doses?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Infanteena Marily F.

Published At March 31, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 7, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am planning to book my booster appointment online. I have had two doses of Pfizer. I am confused about whether to take Pfizer or Moderna as my booster shot. It has been more than four months since I took my last vaccination. Please suggest on this.

Answered by Dr. Arpit Varshney

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query in detail and understand your concern. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are RNA (ribonucleic acid) vaccines. The mechanism in both of them will be the same. Also, the reported efficacy of both the vaccines is also the same.

However, there are minute differences among the available vaccines. Considering that you have taken the Pfizer vaccine and your body has responded to it, switching to Moderna might not produce the response as will be expected with Pfizer. I would suggest you go with Pfizer only as you have had Pfizer earlier and have not had any reaction. If you take the new Moderna vaccine, it will be difficult to predict if you are going to have an allergic reaction to it. But Pfizer is safe in this aspect.

Hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arpit Varshney
Dr. Arpit Varshney

General Medicine

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