The answers to your questions are right here
We know you have concerns about the logistics pertaining to getting the necessary vaccine doses so we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions facilities are asking and provide concise, accurate answers.
Boosters are approved for all adults and children ages 12-17. Children ages 12-17 can only receive the Pfizer booster.
If you initially received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) you are eligible to get a booster 5 months after completing the primary series. If you initially received Janssen, a booster may be administered after 2 months.
All vaccines are safe and effective. However, either mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is preferred over Janssen based on risk vs benefit. For children ages 5-17, Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine available.
Mixing and matching vaccines is allowed for the booster dose. If you received Janssen for the first dose, it is actually preferred to receive an mRNA vaccine for the booster. Mixing and matching of all 3 is allowed for the booster, but the primary vaccine series is NOT interchangeable.
If you are exposed or test positive for COVID-19, you should wait until you fulfill quarantine requirements and are symptom free before receiving the vaccine. To ensure your safety, it is best to wait 2 weeks and until you are symptom free. If you received monoclonal therapy, you must wait 90 days before you can receive a dose.
The adult Pfizer vaccine (purple cap) has been replaced by a new formulation, Pfizer Tris Sucrose formulation (gray cap). In addition to the expiration date of Tris Sucrose being 9 months after the manufacture date listed on the vial, major differences between the two include:
| Feature | Purple Cap | Gray Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Stability in refrigerator | 30 days | 10 weeks |
| Stability at room temperature before dilution | 2 hours | 12 hours |
| Vaccine usage after initial puncture | 6 hours | 12 hours |
| Dilution | Required | NOT required |
Currently, only the Pfizer formulation can be used for pediatrics age 5-17. Important to note there is a DIFFERENT Pfizer formulation and dosage for pediatric patients age 5-11. The pediatric and adult vaccines are NOT interchangeable.
Pills
Two oral treatment pills have been recently approved for the treatment of COVID-19 — Molnipiravir and Paxlovid. Both are given over the course of 5 days and must be started within 5 days of a positive test result. This treatment is only used for COVID-19 positive patients.
The pills are currently not available at all SpecialtyRx locations as they are allocated to the states from the government, and then distributed. A listing of pharmacies that were given initial allocation can be found on this link: https://healthdata.gov/Health/COVID-19-Public-Therapeutic-Locator/rxn6-qnx8/data SpecialtyRx can assist with accessing and dispensing these therapies for those who qualify and have immediate need.
Monoclonal Antibodies
The monoclonal antibody therapies currently available, in limited quantities to the pharmacy, are Sotrovimab and Regen-cov. Only Sotrovimab is effective against the new omicron strain. Prescribers should use discretion in determining which therapy to use. Monoclonals should be given within 10 days of symptom onset. Evusheld is another monoclonal administered IM and has an authorized use for pre-exposure, prophylaxis only.