Is a mix and match COVID‑19 vaccine booster effective?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.