The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people around the world, and the development of vaccines has given hope to many that the end of this crisis is near. One question that arises for individuals who have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is: What happens if I contract COVID-19 between vaccine doses?
Firstly, it`s important to note that no vaccine is 100% effective, and breakthrough infections can occur. If you contract COVID-19 between doses of a vaccine, you should isolate yourself immediately and seek medical attention. It`s also important to inform your healthcare provider that you have received the first dose of a vaccine and have contracted the virus.
In some cases, individuals who contract COVID-19 between doses may experience a delay in receiving the second dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you have COVID-19, you should wait until you have recovered and are no longer in isolation to receive your second dose of the vaccine. This is because the second dose is typically administered a few weeks after the first dose, and it`s important to ensure that your body has fully recovered before receiving the next dose.
It`s worth noting that contracting COVID-19 between vaccine doses doesn`t necessarily mean that the vaccine is not effective. According to recent studies, individuals who have received one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines are significantly less likely to contract severe COVID-19, even if they do contract the virus between doses. In fact, a recent study by the CDC found that one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 80% effective at preventing hospitalizations among older adults.
In conclusion, if you contract COVID-19 between vaccine doses, it`s important to isolate yourself and seek medical attention. You should also inform your healthcare provider that you have received the first dose of a vaccine and have contracted the virus. While you may experience a delay in receiving the second dose, the vaccine is still effective at preventing severe COVID-19, even if you do contract the virus between doses. As always, it`s important to continue practicing good hygiene and following guidelines from health officials to protect yourself and others from the virus.
