There is good news for those who got recovered from COVID-19 and are still to receive their first shot of vaccine. It has been evidenced by researchers that they may not even be requiring covid vaccine second dose. In a study, it was reported that a strong antibody response was noted in such individuals after the first shot of the mRNA vaccine who had previously recovered from COVID-19 and that such an immune response was better than those who received both the shots but did not previously have COVID-19. Thus, natural COVID infection appeared to be a great booster as compared to the vaccine shot itself.
With both the vaccination drive and the COVID-19 cases rising exponentially, several people have been infected after receiving their first shot of vaccine. They are confused whether to go for their second shot of vaccine or not as they must have already developed antibodies after developing COVID-19.
In India, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare states that one should receive both the shots of vaccine irrespective of whether one had contracted COVID-19 or not. This is for a stronger immune response against the disease. Further, it is recommended to wait for 4-8 weeks after recovery from COVID symptoms before getting the vaccine.
However, it does not mention anything about having covid vaccine second dose when contracted COVID-19 after the first shot. So, whether they should go for the second jab or not. When asked this question to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, USA, he advised “People who get infected with the coronavirus between Covid-19 vaccine shots can get their second dose after they have recovered from the illness and are no longer considered contagious”.
It is, however, advisable that even after you recover, you should wait for 4-8 weeks before taking the second shot. So, if you contracted COVID-19 after your first vaccine shot, wait for complete resolution of symptoms and then go for the covid vaccine second dose/ shot of the vaccine for a greater immune response only after 4-8 weeks and preferably after 12 weeks.
Healthie Yoo
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