Srinagar: “People who contract Covid after the first dose still need to get the second jab,” said a senior doctor and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“However, you shouldn’t get the vaccine while being sick,” he said.
Dr Hassan said people should get a second dose as soon as the isolation period is over.
“One should take the second shot 2 weeks after all the symptoms of Covid have been resolved,” he said.
“I am aware of several cases where someone tested positive for Covid-19 after getting their first dose,” Dr Hassan said.
“They should get their second dose of the vaccine after they get over with their quarantine to gain its full protective benefits,” he said.
According to him, people are fully protected against the Covid only after the second dose. “It is vitally important to get both doses for best protection against the Covid,” he said.
“First dose primes the body with an initial immune response,” Dr Nisar said.
“Second dose is the one that really gives the boost to the immune system. It induces a level of virus neutralizing antibodies about 10-fold greater than the first dose,” he said.
“Also, the second dose induces cellular immunity, which predicts not only longer protection, but better protection against variant strains,” he added.
Dr Nisar said there are two Covid-19 vaccines that are being used in Kashmir right now – Covaxin and Covishield. Both have two dose schedules.
He said doses are spaced depending on which vaccine you get. “The time interval between two doses of Covaxin is 4-6 weeks, while the second dose of Covishield can be taken 4-8 weeks after the first. But, there is some data that delaying the second dose of Covishield up to 12 weeks gives a better immune boost,” he informed. “It is imperative to take the same vaccine for both doses and mixing of the two should not be done,” he added.

KR Desk