this post was submitted on 29 Sep 2023
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[–] twopi@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

If there are two shots, wouldn't you have to use both arms?

[–] jadero@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

That seems to be the common thinking. However an episode of TWIV (This Week In Virology) covered a study showing that there is no difference between "one arm" and "two arm" effectiveness.

[–] twopi@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Could you link it? Would be interested in watching it.

[–] jadero@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

I can't find it in their show notes, so maybe I misremembered the source. Sorry.

In a more wide ranging search (flu and COVID same arm), I found this. As far as I can tell, at least an inch apart will help distinguish between local reactions, separate arms might lead to stiffness in both arms which might be more desirable than completely taking one arm out of commission. The only mention of a downside to same arm is that "high dose" flu shot in the same arm as COVID might produce more discomfort than just a "doubling up".

Everything seems to be in agreement that effectiveness is not helped or hurt either way.

Again, my apologies for not getting this right.

On the plus side, now you have an excuse to subscribe to TWIV and browse their back catalogue. It really is a great podcast.