Federal workers have a little more time to comply with a White House mandate on COVID-19 shots. Today was the original deadline. But that’s been changed to early January. Alabama healthcare providers are now advising everyone to be vaccinated and to consider a booster shot if they qualify.
Dr. Michael Saag is an infectious disease specialist at UAB. He said it takes two weeks for shots to take effect, so sooner is better.
“This recommendation for a booster is now made especially for immunocompromised folks and we started that several months ago. Now it’s starting to apply to anyone over 65, anyone over the age of 18 who has an underlying health condition or those who otherwise would benefit,” he said.
Saag also said mixing and matching vaccines for a booster is not only safe, but also the option he is recommending.
“If you got the J and J get your booster now, Pfizer or Moderna. You got Pfizer or Moderna initially I would take the opposite but make sure if you’re going to get Moderna as your booster, half dose, 50 milligrams,” he said.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says those who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are eligible to get a booster six months or more after their initial series. Those who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are eligible two months after their shot.