Should My Son Get the AZ Vaccine After Pneumococcal Shot?

Please ask your questions about vaccines?

Hello Doctor: My son is 18 years and 9 months old and is about to start his first year of college.
Since he couldn't wait for the COVID-19 vaccine, he received the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine on September 7.
However, he has an appointment for the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine on September 17, which is only ten days apart.
We are hesitant about this situation, but with school starting soon, we would greatly appreciate your advice for our consideration.
Thank you very much!

Xiong, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/11

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, according to the current vaccination guidelines, it is indeed a bit awkward to avoid administering other types of vaccines within two weeks.
I find it difficult to provide you with a definitive answer.
If you go for vaccination, please make sure to inform the healthcare personnel on-site for their assessment.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/09/11

More Info

When considering whether your son should receive the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine after having received the pneumococcal vaccine, there are several important factors to take into account.
Firstly, the general recommendation is that COVID-19 vaccines, including the AZ vaccine, should not be administered simultaneously with other vaccines. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities have indicated that it is acceptable to receive different vaccines as long as there is an appropriate interval between them. In your son's case, the interval of ten days between the pneumococcal vaccine and the AZ vaccine is generally considered sufficient.
The pneumococcal vaccine is designed to protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. The AZ vaccine, on the other hand, is aimed at preventing COVID-19, a viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since these two vaccines target different pathogens and work through different mechanisms, there should not be any significant interaction between them.
Moreover, the CDC recommends that individuals who have received one vaccine should continue with their vaccination schedule for other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure comprehensive protection against various diseases. Given that your son is about to start college, where he may be exposed to a larger population and potentially higher risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is advisable for him to receive the AZ vaccine as scheduled.
In terms of safety, both vaccines have been shown to be effective and generally well-tolerated. Common side effects of the AZ vaccine may include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and resolve within a few days. It is important to monitor your son for any unusual reactions after receiving the vaccine, but serious side effects are rare.

Additionally, it is worth noting that vaccination against COVID-19 is crucial not only for individual protection but also for community health. Vaccination helps reduce the spread of the virus, protects vulnerable populations, and contributes to the overall effort to control the pandemic.
In conclusion, based on the current guidelines and the information available, it is advisable for your son to proceed with the AZ vaccine on September 17, ten days after receiving the pneumococcal vaccine. This timing is appropriate and should not pose any significant risks. However, if there are any specific concerns or if your son has a history of severe allergic reactions or other medical conditions, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Ultimately, ensuring that your son is vaccinated against COVID-19 will provide him with an added layer of protection as he embarks on this new chapter in his life at college.

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