Wisconsin's Chief Medical Officer Approves of Mixing COVID Booster Shots

Tuesday, October 26th, 2021 -- 2:01 PM

(WMTV) As the vaccine rollout continues across the country, the FDA approves booster shots from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, adding the pair to the booster shot from Pfizer.

The FDA also approved of getting whichever shot is available, or “mixing and matching.” That means the booster shot does not need to match your original shot. According to the FDA and CDC, it is safe to mix and match shots.

Specialists, like Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, say that this method is safe. However, health specialists have yet to recommend a specific combination.

Right now, health officials stress the most important thing is getting the booster. Health specialists say the availability should dictate the shot you get, recommending getting whichever shot you can in your area.

Dr. Westergaard says approval for mixing and matching is something learned during clinical trials. The data gathered there dictates the timelines that each pharmaceutical company recommends to the FDA.

The immune response from clinical trials is also how specialists concluded that mixing and matching vaccines and booster shots is safe.

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