Initially, Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine was seen as the most desirable out of the three available, because it was only one shot, not two.
But research has since shown that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has the lowest efficacy rate out Pfizer and Moderna. According to recent data from the CDC, Moderna has the highest protection rate, at 93%, followed by Pfizer at 88%, and an only 71% protection rate with Johnson & Johnson.
"It's actually that data that I’m most concerned about," Dr. Monica Gandhi, Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of Infectious Diseases at UCSF on told KCBS Radio's "Ask an Expert" on Tuesday. "It really shows that, of all the three, that I would think about boosting, I absolutely think Johnson & Johnson needs a second dose."
Now that Johnson & Johnson has submitted its own booster for approval by the FDA, it's likely to get approved, said Gandhi. People shouldn't be hesitant to mix and match, she said.
According to recent research from out of the United Kingdom, mixing an mRNA vaccine, such as Moderna, with an adenovirus DNA vaccine, like Johnson & Johnson, is actually not a bad idea. "If you put those together, you have an increased immunogenicity or even a better immune response," said Gandhi.
Any booster shot is likely to induce similar side effects to the existing shots, and it's acceptable to get the booster at the same time as the flu shot, said Gandhi.
For those holding out until the Moderna booster is ready, it's coming.
The Pfizer booster is about 30 micrograms, while the Moderna will be about 50 micrograms, half the dose of the original dose people received.
The FDA is reviewing the Moderna vaccine this month along with the Johnson & Johnson, and the vaccine for children aged 5-11.
"You can either wait, if you liked the Moderna, or you can go ahead and get the Pfizer 30 microgram," said Gandhi.
It doesn't really matter either way, she added.
With boosters soon to be available and vaccination rates increasing, it's becoming more of a possibility that California at least, could soon reopen without mandates. "California opening fully or not having mask mandates, frankly is going to a societal, policy, health officers' decision but if we emulated other countries we could do it now," said Gandhi.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram