New data shows COVID vaccines should not be mixed

WASHINGTON — New data says it is not a good idea to mix COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines continue to be readily available across the country.

When Pfizer and Moderna first came on the market in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned people: do not mix the two vaccines. The CDC emphasized the two vaccines are not interchangeable, and doses should be from the same manufacturer.

Meaning, if you get one dose of the Moderna vaccine, your second dose should also be Moderna.

And a recent study in the UK is backing this guidance. UK researchers found that mixing vaccines increases the chances for a person to experience mild side effects, including chills, fever, fatigue and headache.

“They are more or less the same types of reactions that you’re seeing with the standard schedules. It’s just that they’re occurring more frequently, and we’re seeing both more frequent both in mild and moderate symptoms,” Dr. Matthew Snape, chief trial investigator, said.

The side effects were short-lived and scientists say more research is needed to study immune responses following different types of vaccine schedules.

All that to say, sticking to the same vaccine manufacturer for both doses appears to be the safest way to go.

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Cox Media Group