fourth dose ( or second booster )

We are not keen on having to be boosted every 6 or 9 months. We will look for countries that don't require this.

I expect the same thing here. In fact I've signed up for a clinical trial where I'll either get the 4th dose with the flu shot or a month after the flu shot.

From what I see at the official Swiss site https://einreisecheck.admin.ch/check there is no such requirement. Where did you get this info?

Laurel , the form you referenced shows that the shots must have been administered within the past 270 days . Here is the page , hopefully this link will work - https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home/sem/aktuell/faq-einreiseverweigerung.html#1668147653 In my case , my third shot was the beginning of October 2021 , so I would not qualify for entry , having past the 270 day window . Scroll down to " entering Switzerland " and click on " How can I prove I am vaccinated ":

Also , here is the requirement for Austrian entry - https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information/entry-regulations

The FDA has now authorized a fourth shot for the over 50 crowd

Here’s hoping they approve it for us younger folks too at some point. My sister and I—both in our 40s—are headed to Austria later this year. But, I also think at some point the “expiration” for boosters will change if the EU does not recommend a 4th shot.

I know this is great news for those who were worried about entering Switzerland later this year. Of course, those entry requirements might change after this Friday’s gov. meeting or at some point in the future.

In the meantime, Swiss Air tells me I have 67 days until my solo trip to Switzerland. 😊

OK so here's my question... define "vaccinated". I understand that "vaccinated" means I have received my first and second (of course 1 in the case of JNJ) vaccinations. Boosters are above being vaccinated. That is how I understand the terms and would not mind being corrected if I'm misunderstanding.

Donna , not meaning to be off - putting , but if you carefully read the Swiss site , and the Austrian site ( above ) , they are very clear as to what constitutes the appropriate levels of vaccination and the issues that surround each of the regimens

Donna, it depends on the context of the word. In a general sense, vaccinated just means you received a vaccine. “Fully vaccinated against covid-19” has a different meaning and this may vary depending on which country is defining it. And then there’s the proof of vaccination needed to enter a county. This of course differs depending on the country and may or may not include a booster or a time-limit on the original shot(s) or booster. Confusing enough. 😊

The FDA has now authorized a fourth shot for the over 50 crowd

And the CDC quickly backed the decision, allowing the additional booster to be eventually given

So I started making phone calls yesterday morning, but three different places said they couldn’t yet give any fourth shots. Now pharmacies’ corporate Powers That Be have to to give the green light to their retail locations, so that recommended/approved booster shots can actually be injected. It’s been more than 4 months since first booster, and my arm’s ready, but the pharmacy’s not. We’re leaving for London this Saturday, then Africa the week afterwards, and if that corporate directive is issued by anybody by Saturday, I’ll be there with arm at the ready.

I happened to be at my pharmacy yesterday afternoon. The tech was taking phone call after phone call of people asking about another booster. She had to patiently explain to each one that their data management systems, patient tracking, and insurance procedures were not ready, and to be patient. They also have to order and manage more vaccines and supplies, as they couldn't stockpile them in advance in hopes of an approval. So I dont think its unreasonable for it to take awhile to catch up.

Me? I'm going to wait for the immune-compromised and people with medical conditions that put them more at risk to go first.

I get my teeth cleaned every 6 months, so it's not a hassle to add a jab to this list of routine maintenence chores. An ounce of prevention = 10 pounds of cure in the case of the jab.

Just got home from the neighborhood Walgreens. My husband and just got our second boosters - they’re accepting walk-ins, as the computerized reservation system isn’t yet set up for taking reservations. Call and see if you can get yours, if you’re ready. We could’ve waited until closer to this fall’s Italy trip, but as we’re departing in 3 days for London, followed by southern Africa a week later, there was No Time Like The Present. For protected travel, Booster #2 was wanted, ASAP.

So glad to hear about the availability of a 4th dose, with our trip coming up in about 7 weeks. Certainly worth a few minutes out of our day to get some extra protection for ourselves and for those with whom we will come into contact.

Good to know Cyn. Thanks.

My doctor was on the fence about a second booster.

Lickily, I have an exchange student with a neurologist dad. His feedback ( without any monetary gain) was that I should get the second Pfizer booster… 4th shot.

I’m 56 and immunology compromised but healthy —-

This was personal so I will not identify the doctor… it was also translated from the highschool student.

Hello, ____In principle, the problem with vaccinations is that the protective effect decreases with increasing time lag. The older you are, the faster. In addition, a distinction has to be made between cellular immunity and the antibody response. Cellular immunity ensures that cells infected by the virus are eliminated and is ultimately the best guarantee of a mild course in the event of an infection. This form is already known after the 3rd Vaccination very well constructed and does not subside so quickly.

The antibodies intercept the viruses – ideally before they infect the cells. The protection of the mucous membrane by means of special antibodies that are excreted on the mucous membrane (IgA) plays a very special role: if it is good, it is best not to become infected in the first place.

However, the antibody response and especially the mucous membrane protection diminish soon after vaccination.

the 4th Vaccination is especially/specifically rebuilt the antibody response and the mucous membrane protection.

I therefore find them very useful – the older you are, the more. If you are under 70 years old, I would have a vaccination distance to 3. (Months)

Prefer vaccination of 6 months to a shorter interval (possible from 3 months) because then a stronger response can be generated. Now it’s all very simplified and actually much more complex, but it’s about the essential point. I’m going to look at the 4th Put in vaccination.

• I asked for explanation since this translation was confusing

Essentially, what he is saying is that the third vaccine gives you enough protection to have a mild course, but the fourth vaccine would give you a higher protection of actually getting infected.
He doesn’t want to get infected in the first place so he is getting the fourth vaccine.
( the doctor is younger than me. I’m 56. )

I got the email below from the Pima County (AZ) Health Department with links and details on getting my 2nd Moderna booster. I got the 1st one the end of October at the public health clinic closest to where I live. The timing is perfect for me to get #2 and I'll do that soon. I guess they'll have to put the vaccine info on the back of my CDC card.

"Second COVID-19 booster doses available at Pima County locations

PIMA COUNTY, March 30, 2022 – Pima County vaccination sites have started offering a second COVID-19 booster shot for immunocompromised individuals and people 50 and older who received an initial booster dose at least four months ago."

If you're having a difficult time getting that 2nd booster, you might consider going to a similar facility where you live. That's what I did in October because it was available there and no where else near me at the time.

I'm looking forward to the additional protection #2 booster will give my 76 year old, preexisting condition, immune system challenged body for our time in the PNW for the next few months and for my trip to Ireland and Wales in July - August.

Aimee is correct. No live virus to show up….

@Lissie Thank you for participating in clinical trials! You are helping us all.

Mixing up "antibody" test with "antigen" test. Two different things. The whole purpose of the vaccine is to generate antibodies - thats what protects you.

I am going to France in mid-April for a week and then to England and Italy in late May for 10 days. I received Pfizer vaccinations when offered and got a Pfizer booster last October. I am excited to start traveling again. I am not compromised, and I will try to protect myself like wearing a mask, distancing, and handwashing / sanitizer. Wanting possible added protection to not get Covid or have a mild case if I became infected, I decided to get my 2nd booster before my trip to France. I choose a Moderna booster to possibly provide slightly different additional protection to that provided by Pfizer. I don’t know if getting the additional Moderna booster will provide any benefit over the Pfizer booster I got in October, but I think the possible benefit is greater than any risk I might incur in allowing me to get back into European travel.

It's really puzzling to me. When I was a small child, it seemed like I was getting a (scary) shot every year when I went to the pediatrician for my annual checkup. Now, I'm over 65 and no longer afraid of the needle. I've gotten over 40 annual flu shots, as well as multiple Hepatitis and Pneumonia and Shingles shots. Despite the fact that RNA vaccines are a new technology, immunization is not an unknown, new technology whose benefits could fail to exceed its tiny risks.

My wife nearly died from measles when she was a child. How can anyone pass up the chance to save their (or child's) life, as well as to protect others?

Tim, I agree with you - I do not understand why some people are resistant to being vaccinated. I have a sister who absolutely refuses and a brother who only got it because his employer required it.

I just got my 2nd booster yesterday - I'm heading for Germany in a little over 2 weeks, so it came at the perfect time. It was very easy, too - I just went to the CVS website and signed up for a Moderna booster. Got it right away.

This makes 6 shots for me. 😊 I got 2 shots in an Astra-Zeneca trial back in 2020 (it was a double-blind trial but they eventually unblinded the results and I had received the vaccine) then another 2 full Moderna doses in early 2021, plus the 2 boosters. So I figure I'm good to go.

Needless to say , I will also take my fourth Pfizer shot [n a timed manner ) before heading to Europe at the end of Summer .

Yes, Tim! My feelings exactly. I got my second booster a couple of days ago. I’m going to France the first of next month and Ireland the end of June. I can’t think of a good reason for me to not get it.

Yes, Tim! My feelings exactly. I got my second booster a couple of days ago. I’m going to France the first of next month and Ireland the end of June. I can’t think of a good reason for me to not get it. It’s only another in a (very!) long string of shots I’ve had since childhood. I’m so blessed to say that outside of birthing some kiddos, I’ve had no need for hospital care ever.

I absolutely hate shots but since we travel the world we have availed ourselves of all the ones that are necessary - Hep AB, typhoid, TDAP, flu, covid, pneumonia, shingles, etc. We have had the “childhood” diseases so good on those. I have partial hearing loss from contracting the measles as a kid. Whatever shots we need to stay safe, we will get.

I agree with you, Tim! I don’t get why some people are against the vaccine or any vaccine! Very few have a good reason to avoid vaccines but not many in the scope of things.

My husband and I got our second boosters a couple of days ago, since we are leaving on our trip in less than 2 weeks. We still plan on practicing health protocols, but would very much rather not catch covid during the trip. We were very happy it was approved before our trip.

Got my second booster 2 weeks ago in advance of a trip to Ireland starting on Wednesday. Easiest thing in the world to do in order to have extra protection.

Here's my dilemma. What would you do?
I want to get my 4th shot asap. I am working part time in a specialty retail store for a few weeks with someone who is not vaccinated and no one except me wears a mask.
But according to my doctor 5th shots are not approved yet so no answer from him. I leave August 31 for London, Paris, RS South of France tour and Venice. I would prefer a booster within a month of my trip for added protection.
So, my "can't get the 5th shot" plan is get the 4th shot in mid-June. That has me avoiding close contact with retail shoppers but I should have adequate protection for September.
Thanks for your input.

@horsewoofie That‘s a difficult one to answer. If you are like most people who get a breakthrough case, it will probably be very, very mild but there are no guarantees. How well can you distance yourself from these unvaccinated people? I know from personal experience how transmissible these variants are. I would be very nervous around these coworkers. They are supposed to be coming out with a shot in the fall that will better address the different variants. I got my second booster a few weeks ago because we will be in Italy in a few days from now. I (and my husband who had a breakthrough case) will be getting whatever new shot they come out with in the fall. I am hoping it will become just an annual thing like the flu shot because I hate needles but have become quite used to them at this point.

We'll be getting our second boosters in about 2 weeks, then we'll have another 2 weeks for the immune system to reload before leaving for Spain in about a month ... not afraid of the needle, but I don't watch and tell the person on the other end to not give me a warning but fire when ready