What if second dose of COVID vaccine is not taken on time? Expert answers

India is in the middle of a deadly second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that has overwhelmed the healthcare system. Though the numbers are plateauing in some states, challenges continue as the wave now spreads to rural areas. The government is racing against time to try and inoculate its population.  

The vaccination drive that has been rolled out in phases for different age groups is facing problems of shortage. Many states have suspended vaccination for the 18-44 age group and instead are focusing on ensuring the second dose for older age groups. The government has assured that sufficient vaccine stocks will be availabe soon. 

As the drive progresses, many questions are being asked about the vaccines, SOPs and virus variants. Here is what experts have to say:

What should be the ideal gap between the two doses of COVID vaccine?

The ideal gap between two jabs depend largely upon the vaccine you are being administered as the time frame between the two doses are decided on the basis of the time it takes to generate antibodies in your immune system, Dr  K S Satish senior consultant, pulmonology & chest medicine, Fortis Hospitals told Indian Express.

Thus, if you have taken the Covishield vaccine, the preferred time gap between the two doses is 6-8 weeks. It can go up to 12 weeks as well while for Covaxin, the second dose should be taken after 28 days, Dr Satish added.

What if the gap between the two COVID vaccine doses exceeds?

It is recommended that prescribed time gap is followed but even if you exceed it, there would be no side effects but the antibody response may weaken if the gap is exceeded by more than a week or two, Dr Satish adds.

Does the effect of COVID vaccine first dose last for 6 months?

We all had this question in mind when the Indian government last week exceeded the time gap between the two doses to 12-16 weeks. 

Addressing these concerns, immunologist Satyajit Rath told PTI that vaccine dosing is “quite flexible and forgiving” and if four weeks have passed, the next dose can be taken whenever possible until six months.

However, according to PTI, scientists suggest that vaccine doses will be safe irrespective of when they are taken but will not provide any great “boosting” if administered in less than a month of the first dose.