“Getting a second Covid vaccination?”
My friend received both doses of the Astro-Zeneca vaccine while working in Bangladesh (2nd dose in early May), but because it was through a local Bangladeshi hospital, she has no proof of vaccination that would be accepted by her home country (Australia). She is now visiting the States and would like to get another vaccine in order to get a valid proof-of-vaccination card. She will be here for two months. Is there any danger to doing this? Is there one type of vaccine that would be better for this purpose, considering her first was Astro-Zeneca?
Female | 60 years old
Medications: none
Conditions: none
4 Answers
There should not be any danger other than usual side effects. Perhaps a vaccine with a different mechanism, like mRNA vaccine.
This question has no correct answer. There is no data. We do not have the Astra Zeneca vaccine in the US, so this is not an option. I believe it is safe for her to get a third vaccine dose at least 2-3 months after her second AZ vaccine. I would favor the Pfizer option, but any of three vaccines available in the US should meet her needs.
Carl Lauter, MD
Carl Lauter, MD
Thanks for the question. First, she should request documentation from the site in Bangladesh. In the USA, we do not have the Astra Zeneca vaccine, and it is recommended by the CDC to use the same vaccine for later doses. The closest is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. If she must have it for travel, rather than just obtaining documentation, then she can find a nearby vaccine site online. No one knows the safety of a third injection, but it is likely safe.
Johnson and Johnson
