Is it safe to switch vaccines for booster?

DEAR DR. ROACH

» I’m 71 and have had both Moderna COVID-19 vaccination shots. When

I called my doctor to inquire about a Moderna booster, I was told one was not available now but that I could take the Pfizer booster. Can you confirm this? I’m a little wary of taking another type of booster shot.

— A.M.

DEAR READER » The immunity to COVID-19 from the Moderna mRNA vaccines seems to be a bit longer-lasting than that for the Pfizer vaccine, and as of this writing, a third dose of either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine is recommended only for people over 65 or who are otherwise at high risk or with frequent institutional or occupational exposure.

Some research has been done on changing the type of vaccine for an individual, and the results are promising that there might be additional benefit to changing. However, the Food and Drug Administration recently advised that any approved COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna or Janssen) may be used. All three provide high protection with low risk.

I am putting some of the newest recommendations on my Facebook page for those who want more detail, facebook. com/drkeithroach.

DEAR DR. ROACH » I am an 88-year-old man. I drool 24/7. Your recent column did not offer a solution. I heard of a drug called hyoscyamine. It is a travel sickness drug, but also is used for drooling. Any ideas if this is effective for drooling?

— J.N.

DEAR READER » Drooling can have many causes, and a careful evaluation of any abnormalities in neurological function, dental problems or sinus and nasal inflammation may lead to a specific treatment. When no specific cause can be identified, medications to reduce saliva production can be tried.

Physicians take advantage of the side effect of dry mouth to reduce drooling. In addition to the hyoscyamine, other medications used include: atropine eyedrops under the tongue; the antidepressant amitriptyline; and glycopyrrolate. All have been used successfully. These medications are not usually completely effective but can often help. Care must be taken not to dry the mouth out too much, as this can accelerate dental disease.

For some people, chewing gum or hard candy can encourage swallowing and help with drooling.