# Just got my updated vaccine for Omicron & BA5 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Quarantine Zone\ **Tags:** covid-quarantine\ **Created:** [September 8, 2022, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231 "2022-09-08T17:38:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2022, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/41 "2022-09-20T14:36:36Z")
I miss the creative process of _making up_ reasons to avoid people. ---
**Author:** ![Napier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce73a5/32.png) [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2022, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/42 "2022-09-20T15:44:02Z")
I take it you’re not into _making up_ reasons to avoid vaccinations. Good for you. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2022, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/43 "2022-09-20T15:50:15Z")
No, I’m just saying I was antisocial before it became so mainstream. ---
**Author:** ![WellHelloThere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@WellHelloThere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WellHelloThere)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/44 "2022-09-20T19:06:08Z")
I always did love crossing the street to avoid meeting people. It was refreshing to see that it made me a responsible person too lol ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2022, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/45 "2022-09-21T23:14:07Z")
Got my updated covid shot, and my flu shot _and_ the tdap on Saturday afternoon. Sunday was rough. I had pain in both arms as I expected, and much worse pain in my neck, upper back, and shoulders which I did not expect. My arms and the shoulder I got the covid shot in still hurt a bit but progressively less day by day. It sucked but at least I don’t have to hurt again 1-2 more times later instead. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/46 "2022-09-24T06:48:05Z")
Got my Moderna bivalent booster at my doctor’s office on Tuesday. Like my previous shots, I’ve lucked out and only had a little soreness where I was injected. ---
**Author:** ![Tarataratara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/47 "2022-09-24T20:37:10Z")
Is there any data about the best way to time the boosters for maximum protection? My kids have an important trip at New Year’s; I would like for them to be as covered as possible. They had a booster of Pfizer (third dose) in January. Edit: Also, one had Covid in January and one had Covid in July. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/48 "2022-09-24T20:41:30Z")
> [@Tarataratara](#): > > Is there any data about the best way to time the boosters for maximum protection? Two weeks before you have a 3-hour layover in the Delta lounge in Atlanta would be a good time. As I can attest, posting from that lounge. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/49 "2022-09-25T15:12:14Z")
I received my 4th dose in June. MyIr Mobile says I was due for another one on 8/17. Should I get one now? Or should I wait until December as I had planned? Aside: My wife got her flu and COVID shots Friday. Wiped her out. She’s feeling better this morning. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/50 "2022-09-26T07:41:08Z")
The minimum amount of gap time is two months so if you want to get one now, you should be okay. ---
**Author:** ![veryfrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/87869e/32.png) [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/51 "2022-09-29T13:15:07Z")
Pharmacies here (Ontario) are letting people sign up for waiting lists for the Omicron booster. Normally I’d be all over it: for my previous four shots I literally got them the first day I was logistically able to. But I’m finally traveling in October, and I did the math on the interim requirements. From the date I got booster #2, I’m eligible for the Omicron shot _one day_ before my flight leaves. I’d just as soon not risk having side effects that sideline me on the day I’m flying (though I’ve had decreasing side effects with each shot so far, to the point where I nothing happened after the last one). As well, my own COVID case was about six weeks ago, and I’m not sure if that pushes up my eligibility date. No worries, I’m not as anxious for this one, and mid-November is fine. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/52 "2022-09-29T13:29:00Z")
I got the Omicron booster a couple of days ago at HEB Central Market. Absolutely NO side/after effects, not even a sore arm, which I usually get with any shot (and have gotten with the previous four covid shots). I’ll get the flu shot next week at the same pharmacy. I expect to have a sore arm with that one. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/53 "2022-09-29T14:19:46Z")
> [@veryfrank](#): > > As well, my own COVID case was about six weeks ago, and I’m not sure if that pushes up my eligibility date. No worries, I’m not as anxious for this one, and mid-November is fine. The usual talking heads here are saying wait 6 months after infection for peak immunization from the booster, with a minimum of 3 months. I had Covid mid-July and will wait until the end of the year. We’re also using the BA.1 variant bivalent booster in Canada, although Pfizer and Moderna have filed for authorization of the BA.5 variant being used in the US. ---
**Author:** ![veryfrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/87869e/32.png) [@veryfrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/veryfrank)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/54 "2022-09-29T14:24:45Z")
> [@FinsToTheLeft](#): > > The usual talking heads here are saying wait 6 months after infection for peak immunization from the booster, with a minimum of 3 months. I had Covid mid-July and will wait until the end of the year. We’re also using the BA.1 variant bivalent booster in Canada, although Pfizer and Moderna have filed for authorization of the BA.5 variant being used in the US. Thanks for the update. I’ll wait for the new year and/or the BA.5 jab. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/55 "2022-09-29T15:00:16Z")
Senior flu yesterday in one arm, Mod bi-valent something covid in other. Soreness near the shot zone and some general aches and pains (at 70+, hard to tell them apart from side effects). One Aleve and everything is settled down. The grandkids were _s **ooooo** _ disappointed I didn’t get dinosaur bandaids. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/56 "2022-09-29T15:35:45Z")
> [@veryfrank](#): > > As well, my own COVID case was about six weeks ago, and I’m not sure if that pushes up my eligibility date. My doctor OKed me getting the latest booster yesterday, a month after I had Covid. So far, not sure I’m having any side effects. I did wind up getting Pfizer yesterday, since that was what they had (previous doses have been Moderna, but apparently mixing brands isn’t a problem as I had thought it might be). ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2022, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/57 "2022-10-07T22:06:39Z")
I’m a bad-boy rebel. I just got( an hour ago) both shots(Bivalent Covid and Flu) in THE SAME ARM, dun dun dun. I had no idea there was a recommendation that you separate the shots into two arms. My issue that any kind of vaccine puts that arm out of commission for 24 hours and I only seem to have 2 arms. I’m pretty sure I would feel kind of claustrophobic/helpless with both arms that immobile. The lady in the white coat asked if I cared which arm got which shot, and I said “both in left”. She said “The recommendation is different arms.” I said “Why?” She took about five beats, then repeated “The recommendation is different arms.” I considered making a joke about getting one of them in my ass, but she didn’t seem in the mood for humor. So I just said, “Both in left arm, please”. She shrugged and did it. I’m Bad to the bone!\* - disclaimer, neither needle got anywhere near the bone. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2022, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/58 "2022-10-07T22:08:01Z")
Whereas I was asked whether I wanted to use a separate limb for each. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2022, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/59 "2022-10-07T22:21:08Z")
One thought is if you have a reaction, you and they would know what shot was responsible. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2022, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231/60 "2022-10-08T00:30:38Z")
**smithsb** ’s comment matches what I’ve heard many times. Both shots in the same are aren’t contraindicated medically, but it can confuse the reporting of side effects. This was more important early in the first round of shots, and is a little important with the bivalent boosters, just for gathering data. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-my-updated-vaccine-for-omicron-ba5/971231.md?page=4)