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What if Your Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine Is Delayed?

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What if Your Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine Is Delayed?

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COVID-19 vaccines scientifically reduce morbidity and mortality rates in COVID-19 patients. Read the article below to know more.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. C. Elanchezhian

Published At May 12, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 25, 2023

What if the Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine Is Delayed?

Researchers say that do not panic if the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is delayed for a few weeks or a few days. But they recommend always having a follow-up on the second dose, and getting vaccinated within six weeks of the first dose is important. It is because the second dose is more important for broader protection against the COVID-19 variants. They also added that the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine is making things easier. However, there were situations where supply shortages of vaccines occurred, and those people who were waiting for the second dose of vaccine had to wait until the vaccine arrived.

What Is the Importance of the Second Shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The first dose is considered the prime dose, and the second dose makes our immune response more durable over time. Many infectious disease specialists say that a weakening immune response from only one shot is noticed if there is a delay in the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. Still, the durability of that immune response is unknown. Experts say that the protective shield against COVID-19 disease will vanish over time when we take only one dose. So, people need to complete the whole series of both shots.

In addition, follow the right principle by not holding doses to ensure everyone gets a second dose at that particular interval.

Initially, scientists suggested that vaccines should be given first to the people who are at risk or the priority groups, such as:

  • Older individuals.

  • Healthcare professionals.

  • Essential workers.

What Could Be the Reasons for Missing the Second Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The following are some of the reasons for missing the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. They are,

1. Getting COVID-19 After the First Dose:

If a person had COVID-19 shortly after or just before the first dose, he should recover before getting the second dose. The vaccine starts producing antibodies after seven days of the first shot, and a person should not get the second shot if he still have COVID-19 symptoms. He should be in isolation if he has COVID-19 symptoms and should not come in contact with anyone at the vaccination site. Get the second shot within six weeks between the doses, and should inform about the current medical condition before a person gets vaccinated.

2. If Undergone Specific Treatments:

A person could have received monoclonal antibody therapy while ill. He should wait for 90 days before the second dose, or maybe have got convalescent plasma during a COVID-19 attack and should wait for at least three months before the second dose.

3. Bodily Reaction After Getting Vaccinated:

Some people are worried about the side effects worsening after receiving the second dose. Side effects after the first and second doses are common, which include-

  • Pain at the injection site.

  • Fatigue.

  • Fever.

  • Headache.

  • Muscle ache.

The fever is common after the second dose, and symptoms last for a couple of days. If a person is an immediate allergic reactive person or have anaphylaxis, they need to evaluate with an allergist before getting the second shot.

4. Canceled Appointments:

If second dose appointments are canceled, people find it hard to reschedule with the second dose.

5. Personal Crisis:

Maybe personal reasons could have made a person miss the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For example, in case a person is moving back to the area of workplace or moved to his own locality after the first dose.

6. Misperception About the Second Dose:

Many people are confused or wrongly think that one shot of the vaccine is enough. But on getting both doses of vaccine, maximum antibodies are produced to protect us against the novel coronavirus. The second dose provides us wider protection from being hospitalized and becoming seriously ill. For example, studies show-

Pfizer Vaccine:

  • First dose: 52 % effectiveness.

  • Second dose: 95 % effectiveness.

Moderna Vaccine:

  • First dose: 80 % effectiveness.

  • Second dose: 94.1 % effectiveness.

So if a person is not receiving both doses, he will not be as protected from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.

7. Limited Stock of the Second Dose:

If there is a limited supply of the second dose, we are more likely to miss our second COVID-19 vaccine.

What Should a Person Know if They Miss Second COVID-19 Vaccine Dose?

Do Not Panic:

Do not miss out on the second dose, but if the situation is out of control and causes someone to miss the second dose, do not panic.

Do Not Start Again With a New Vaccination Series:

Make sure that a person gets the second dose as close to the recommended interval, but an unavoidable delay does not mean that a person missed the only chance of getting the second dose, or it does not mean that a person should start the vaccination schedule again.

Contact the Vaccine Distributor:

If a person missed their second dose, they should only get the second dose to complete the vaccination series. A person can contact the vaccination distributor to reschedule the second dose as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 vaccines save thousands of lives and are our best way of ending this pandemic. Although, some rare cases cannot get vaccinated for a specific health reason like severe allergic reactions. The sincere advice is that everyone eligible should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to them and not delay the second dose if a person gets a two-dose vaccine. Also, if a person gets vaccinated, and follow the COVID-19 safety precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, frequently washing hands, avoiding frequent outings, and not touching the face frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Is It Mandatory to Get Two Doses of COVID-19 Vaccination?

Indeed, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are required for maximum protection against the virus. The two-dosage protocol was chosen because the first dose primes the immune system and initiates immunity-building while the second dose enhances and amplifies the immunological response. According to studies, a two-dose regimen offers more COVID-19 protection than a single dose.

2.

When Do the Side Effects of the Second Dose of COVID Vaccine Begin?

The side effects after the second COVID vaccination may not manifest immediately, and it varies depending on the individual. But, in general, adverse effects typically begin a few hours to a few days after taking the second vaccination dose. The COVID vaccine's typical side effects include fever, chills, weariness, headache, muscular aches, discomfort, edema, or redness at the injection site. Usually mild to moderate in intensity, these side effects disappear within a few days.

3.

Are COVID Vaccine Doses One and Two the Same?

Some covid vaccines require two doses that are not the same. The initial dose prepares the immune system, while the subsequent amount amplifies the immune response, resulting in a stronger defense mechanism. These vaccines tell cells to make a portion of the virus' spike protein using an mRNA, which stimulates an immune response.

4.

How Much Time Does a Vaccine Stay in the Body?

The type of vaccination and the person's immunological reaction affect how long a vaccination remains in the body. Vaccines typically stimulate immune systems to recognize and remember a particular disease so that they can react promptly when exposed to the virus or bacteria in the future. The majority of COVID-19 vaccines offer protection for six months or more.

5.

Is It Safe to Take Tylenol After COVID Vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is considered safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen), to address common side effects such as injection site discomfort, fever, and body aches, following COVID-19 vaccination.
It is crucial to note that taking these medications before receiving the vaccine is not advised because it could compromise its efficacy. As a precautionary step, it is also advised against using these drugs because the negative effects of the vaccine are typically minor and transient.

6.

Is It Necessary to Take Rest After COVID Vaccine?

Indeed, resting after having the COVID immunization is often advised. The COVID vaccines are generally well-tolerated and safe. However, some patients may experience some side effects. The most frequent adverse effects are pain or swelling during the injection, fever, exhaustion, headache, muscle aches and pains, and chills. After taking the vaccine, getting some rest can aid in the body's recovery from these side effects and lower the risk of developing more problems. Waiting at least 24 to 48 hours after receiving the vaccine before participating in any intense physical activity or exercise is recommended.

7.

What Precautions Should Be Observed Before Receiving the COVID Vaccine?

 - See a Doctor:Before getting vaccinated, discuss with the doctor any pre-existing medical conditions or intake of drugs.
 - Avoid Receiving Other Shots: Wait at least two weeks before and after receiving the COVID vaccine before taking further shots, including flu shots.
 - Avoid Painkillers Before Vaccination: Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can all lessen the vaccine's efficacy. So, avoid taking them before getting vaccinated.
 - Drink plenty of water before the vaccination because dehydration can exacerbate any side effects.

8.

Who Should Not Receive the COVID Vaccine?

For most people, the COVID-19 vaccination is generally safe and effective. However, some populations should speak with their healthcare professional before getting the vaccine or should not get it at all. These people include those who are under 12 years (as the vaccine has not been approved for this age group yet), those who have just recovered from COVID-19, and those who have experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components. Before receiving a vaccination, pregnant patients or with specific medical conditions may also need to consult with their doctor.

9.

Which Vaccinations Are Beneficial for Life?

Several dangerous diseases and their complications have been proven to be prevented by immunizations, and some vaccinations are advised for life. The measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis B vaccines are among them. A yearly flu shot is recommended for people of all ages. Still, it is vital for those who face an elevated risk of flu-related complications, including those with pre-existing medical conditions. Vaccinations give important disease protection and can support people in maintaining excellent health throughout their lifetimes.

10.

Can One Sleep After Vaccination Shot?

After having a vaccine shot, sleeping is safe. Getting some rest after receiving any immunization is generally advised because it might aid in the body's recovery and lower the likelihood of adverse reactions. After receiving a vaccine, some people may feel worn out or sleepy, but this is a common reaction and is not cause for alarm.

11.

What Should One Do Following a COVID Shot?

Following a COVID vaccination, it's crucial to keep up with recommended public health practices to stop the virus from spreading. This entails donning a mask, maintaining a physical distance, constantly washing hands, and avoiding crowds. It's crucial to monitor the health and get help from a doctor in case of COVID-19 symptoms. Despite the COVID-19 vaccine's ability to protect against the virus, new versions are constantly emerging, making it more difficult to avoid and spread infection.
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Dr. C. Elanchezhian
Dr. C. Elanchezhian

General Medicine

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