Get Ready for Your Second Shot: What Experts Say About Skipping It

In just two weeks, I’ll be rolling up my sleeve for my second Pfizer COVID vaccine. Initially, I was uncertain about getting vaccinated at all. However, conversations with others reassured me that this is simply part of the process—much like the journey many faced when the flu shot was introduced. Finally, I gathered my courage, stopped obsessively watching nurses administer shots on the news, and decided it was time for my turn. Now, I see getting vaccinated like enjoying a refreshing gin and tonic; once you’ve had one, why not go for the second?

If you’re hesitating about getting your next shot, don’t be. Just go for it!

We all had a chuckle (or at least I hope we did) over the bizarre suggestions from former President Donald Trump about drinking bleach to prevent COVID-19. But let’s be clear: getting that second shot of your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is crucial for moving closer to herd immunity.

What is Herd Immunity?

You might be wondering, what exactly is herd immunity? Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, describes it this way: “Herd immunity is the point where enough individuals have been either infected or vaccinated that the virus can’t sustain transmission in the community. If one case leads to less than one new infection, it will eventually die out.” Dr. Fauci also weighed in, emphasizing in a recent New York Times article that the key is vaccinating enough people, which will lead to a decrease in infections.

The takeaway? Get both of your vaccinations. The more of us who are vaccinated, the less the virus can spread.

Sure, the side effects from the second shot can be unpleasant. You might experience a low-grade fever or even some gastrointestinal issues, but remember: that’s a small price to pay for protection. Dealing with COVID is far worse than a little discomfort for a day or two. So, save yourself from future headaches—and potential serious health risks—and get that second shot. Don’t become one of the 5 million people who got the first dose but skipped the second.

Why Do People Skip the Second Dose?

So why do so many people skip out on their second dose? The New York Times reports several reasons: fear of side effects, forgetting to schedule the second appointment, or even issues with vaccine availability at pharmacies. In some cases, students may leave campus before getting their second shot. Others might mistakenly believe that one dose is sufficient, which it is not.

Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Chicago Medicine, warned that failing to get the second dose could lead to setbacks in our fight against COVID. “Not getting your second shot means you’re essentially giving up on your immunity. You might be at risk for COVID just a few months after your first vaccine. Plus, you’ll have much lower immunity to the variants currently circulating,” she noted.

If the trend of skipping second doses continues, reaching herd immunity will remain elusive, and infection rates will keep rising. Being “fully vaccinated” means receiving both shots, which strengthens your defenses against COVID if you do contract it.

The Importance of Completing Your Vaccination

On social media, the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist likened vaccination to home improvement: “Think of the first dose as primer, and the second dose as the paint that makes it last.”

If you got the first shot, keep up the momentum and get the second! If you’re still contemplating your first vaccination but prefer a single dose, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is back and safe for public use. However, if you chose Pfizer or Moderna, it’s time to finish what you started. According to the CDC, the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective after both doses, while the Pfizer vaccine boasts a 95% effectiveness rate. Those are solid odds! And if you’ve missed the 21 or 28-day window by a few days, don’t worry; the CDC states you can wait up to 42 days between doses and still gain immunity benefits.

Don’t miss out; keep the momentum going and get that second jab. We’re all counting on you to do your part.

Further Insights

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In summary, receiving your second COVID vaccine dose is essential for achieving stronger immunity and helping to eradicate the virus. Don’t let uncertainty or fear hold you back—stay informed, and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your community.