Getting your second COVID-19 vaccine shot?
Getting vaccinated is one amongst the many ways of minimizing your risk of catching COVID-19 during such trying times. While there has been growing research indicating the apparent benefits of even partial (one-dose) vaccination, it is still advisable that all those eligible get their second vaccine jab, as and when they can.
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The second vaccine jab helps build a strengthened immune response, over and above the first vaccine dose. It also offers a sense of security and assurance in the growing wave of virulent viruses straining us. That being said, there can be a lot of doubts and worries which can cloud the second vaccine jab, from the side-effects to the time immunity peaks. If you are scheduled to get your second shot, here's all what you could expect:
Are you immediately protected after receiving the second shot?
As reassuring as getting the second vaccine jab is, do not expect immunity to build up immediately after the second dose.
Peak immunity and antibody protection post-vaccination takes a while to build up. While side-effects are an inflammatory response, immunity after getting the COVID-19 shot takes at least 10-14 days to build up. Hence, a person is only considered to be fully immunized when the 2-week period post vaccination is done with.
Therefore, a person will still need to adhere to crucial COVID-appropriate behaviour, wear masks and follow basic preventive protocols.
Will side-effects be intense?
There have been anecdotal reports that suggest that side-effects with the vaccine can be harsher, the second time around. People have complained feeling extremely lethargic, down and out for upto 2 days after vaccination. While this could be encountered by some, do remember that every body reacts to vaccines differently, and what may feel like an intense side-effect for one, may be less harsh for someone else.
It can also happen that the ones who do not feel the side-effects with the first shot, may feel them more intensely the second time around.
Right now, it has also been reported that women tend to feel more severe side-effects, especially with the second shot in comparison to men because of their hormonal balance and fluctuations.
As for the side-effects itself, one can expect usual inflammatory reactions, such as fever, body pain, chills, fatigue, soreness in the arm, tiredness. To take care, consider taking a day off, if you can and take plenty of rest. Hydrate yourself, eat well, and take painkillers if the side-effects are getting a bit too much for you.
Will the second dose be still effective if you have taken it late?
Right now, people are also battling a crunch of vaccines, which is making them delay vaccination from scheduled dates. While those who have opted for Covishield could benefit from a longer dosage gap, Covaxin delays could make people worry. However, it should be known that small delays wouldn't make your vaccine ineffective, or make you more prone to vulnerabilities. The body sufficiently remembers the immune response from the first dose, and taking the second jab only strengthens it. Therefore, get the jab, when you can and do not hesitate.
Can the side-effects be worse if you contracted COVID-19 after the first shot?
With the rise in the number of infections reported during the second wave, a lot many cases have been found to be post-partial vaccination. There have also been people who have taken the vaccine weeks following COVID-19 recovery. From what has been observed, people with a prior history of COVID-19 may react more intensely to side-effects. A stronger reaction may also be a sign that one may have contracted COVID-19, without knowledge. While there is no scientific reason behind this, the reports have been based on anecdotal reports and just an example of how our immune system builds up different responses.
READ MORE: Why some people can have intense side-effects to vaccines
That being said, it's still advisable for people who have recently recovered from COVID-19 to wait for a few weeks (90 days) to get their vaccine shot, since it is believed that they already have some level of immunity to protect them. Discuss with your doctor if you have preconditions that may make you get the vaccine before the waiting period.
What should you do if you develop an adverse reaction after the first shot?
Adverse reactions, and allergies post vaccination are still considered to be rare.Those who do get unusual, trickier side-effects may require clinical treatment, or also advised to postpone getting their second shot. However, do remember that even if you do record adverse side-effects, it is still better to get the second jab. What people, instead, need to do is be pre-prepared, take all precautions and inform healthcare officials at the vaccination site of the prior incidence of the vaccine.
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Having an adverse reaction in the past doesn't mean your body will react the same way with the second shot. Most of these side-effects are also treated well, if picked on early. Therefore, wait for 30 minutes post vaccination, and be cautiously aware of what to expect.
Are there things to do and not to do before your second jab?
Getting the second jab is important, and the precautions one needs to follow before getting the shot to remain the same as with the first one.
The most important factors to remember are that one should get proper sleep, eat well and alleviate stress levels before turning up for the vaccine appointment. A well-rested immune system reacts well and minimizes side effects too.
Apart from this, it is considered helpful if one avoids alcohol intake and other additives which may suppress immunity levels. Read up on the side-effects and get your jab, safely.