Exactly How Long Should You Wait For Your Second COVID Vaccine

With the Covid-19 vaccination drive well underway, there are many questions being raised too. The most common one is about the duration of the interval between the two jabs.

"According to India’s vaccination program, the prescribed interval between the two doses of Covishield is 28 days, global studies and several scientists however have called for stretching the interval between 8-12 weeks. Recently, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) met to discuss and review the dosage interval for currently available COVID vaccines in India.  As per the current plan, the second dose of Covishield and Covaxin is administered after a gap of 28 days. Having said that new evidence around the efficacy of the COVID19 vaccines suggests that the jab is much more effective when the second dose is administered after 8-12 weeks," says Dr Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi.

She adds that though it is understandable to be confused as there is too much information related to the Covid-19 vaccination floating on the internet. It is important to stay informed and aware is crucial before being inoculated.

Here are her answers to your burning questions about the time interval between the two Covid-19 jabs:

HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE VACCINATED?

The Covid-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection. If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, coworkers and others around you. The vaccines, on the other hand, help to build immunity and are instrumental in breaking the chain of spread. The two vaccines available in India, Covaxin and Covishield have gone through rigorous clinical efficacy processes and trials, after which they have been certified for public administration. They are safe and must be taken after seeking advice from your physician.

WHY ARE COUNTRIES DIFFERING ON VACCINATION TIME SPAN?

Firstly, it is important to note that it takes about 2-3 weeks for anti-bodies to start developing after the first dose is taken. With the first dose, people develop antibodies slowly but with the second dose, this process gets faster. Therefore, a minimum 28-day gap is appropriate. Many countries are maintaining a gap of around 3 months to ensure that the maximum number of people in their country get inoculated. While, in India, our approach has been different. Through our phased approach which keeps in mind our population size, we are hoping that people receive their vaccination in a timely manner. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND DOSE?

Remember, receiving your first dose doesn’t mean that you won’t get infected by Covid-19. You can still get infected even after your second dose, but it will an extremely mild one, and may not need hospitalization. However, care has to be taken at all times. Wearing a mask when outside, avoiding crowded gatherings and maintaining hygiene and health are very important. Travelling to places where there’s no way to know if the people around you have been vaccinated, will remain risky. After vaccination, you might experience common side-effects such as pain, light fever, tiredness and bodyache. So, drink plenty of fluids, apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area. Eat nutritious food to improve immunity, ensure you get a good sleep and avoid alcohol or smoking. Most importantly, do not consider yourself to be immune to the dreaded virus, if caution is not exercised, you may be infected with Covid-19 despite receiving both shots of the vaccine.