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What Happens I Don’t Get the Booster Shot (Second Dose) for COVID-19?
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rise in the U.S., more rates in cases are finally starting to come down. However, new data has shown a disappointing trend that could affect efforts to protect the population, as many as 8% of people are missing their second dose. The reasoning is still under speculation, but many factors include missing or canceled appointments and scheduling miscommunications.
Please keep in mind, it is advised you get your second shot as close as possible to the recommended schedule, as you are at greater risk to variants than others during this time. Both vaccines are not interchangeable and should come from the same manufacturer as your first dose.
Why Am I At Greater Risk After My First Dose?
According to studies cited by the CDC, data shows single-dose effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine between 60% and 70%. A later study from the CDC showed 80% effectiveness with one dose of the Pfizer vaccine but 90% effectiveness with two doses. And Pfizer itself claimed 91% effectiveness after two doses with even higher rates of prevention against serious illness from COVID-19.
Why There Are Two Doses
For most vaccinations in general, you need more than one shot to boost your immunity, a prime shot (first dose), and a booster shot (second dose). Both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines require this.
The recommended booster schedules for both vaccines are as follows:
- Pfizer-BioNTech: Two shots are given 21 days apart.
- Moderna: Two shots are given 28 days apart.
A few other important factors of getting your booster shot (second dose) for COVID-19 includes:
- Better protection against COVID-19
- Booster shots allow our immune system to retain the presence of a virus for longer
- 30% greater effectiveness
Are More Booster Shots for COVID-19 in Development?
Currently, there is no third dose booster shot in place, however, pharma manufacturers are currently in the process of developing booster shots to address specific variants, like the variants first detected in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7). According to a study published in Nature, this variant is associated with a 55 percent greater risk of death compared with other variants.
Until we know when booster shots will be required, getting the vaccine and continuing to follow protocols set forth by the CDC is an important step in protecting yourself from new and known variants. Please keep in mind, however,
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, or to schedule one at Advance ER, call us at (214) 494-8222 today.
