Part 5 of Dr Sheri Fanaroff frequently asked questions and answers.
5. IF I HAD A JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCINE, CAN I HAVE A PFIZER BOOSTER TO BE MORE PROTECTED?
● Prof Grey and Prof Bekker, the principal investigators from the Sisonke (J&J healthcare worker) trial stated last week that they believed that recommending booster top-ups with another vaccine is premature as the vast majority of breakthrough infections from Sisonke are mild.
● Several doctors have suggested that when available, booster doses of another J&J or with an mRNA vaccine will help to establish better immunity. Trials with mixing different vaccines are ongoing.
● However, when available, this booster dose needs to be prioritised for doctors and nurses working in Covid wards and ICUs who are at highest risk.
● One dose of J&J is good protection against severe illness. *It is much more important at this time for more South Africans to get one vaccination, than for those who have already had the opportunity to have protection from one vaccine to get a booster.
Come back tomorrow for more questions and answers.
Sources:
Dr Sheri Fanaroff, Gauteng General Practitioners Collaboration, 05th July 2021
