When should I take my second dose of the vaccine?

Anyone who has contracted Covid-19 should defer their vaccinations for three months

Individuals who have received at least the 1st dose and got Covid-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule: the 2nd dose should be deferred by 3 months after clinical recovery from Covid-19 illness, the ministry said. PTI

Health Desk   |   TT  |  Calcutta   |   21.05.21:  It is understandable to be confused about the dosage gap between the two shots of the vaccine, given that the guidelines keep changing. But as per the latest advisory issued by the Union ministry of health on May 19, those reporting breakthrough infections _ testing positive for the coronavirus after having got the first dose of the vaccine _ should delay their second dose by three months after recovery.

“Individuals who have received at least the 1st dose and got Covid-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule: the 2nd dose should be deferred by 3 months after clinical recovery from Covid-19 illness,” the ministry said. This recommendation also holds true for those who have had a lab diagnosis of Covid-19 and those who have received convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibody therapy. The bottom line: anyone who has contracted Covid-19 should defer their vaccinations for three months. 

For others, ie those who have not contracted Covid, the window between two doses for the Serum Institute of India-manufactured Covishield vaccine is 12 to 16 weeks, as per a notification issued by the government on May 13. No change has been suggested for the dosage interval (28 days) for Covaxin, the vaccine manufactured by Bharat Biotech.

The 2nd dose window for Covishield was shorter earlier (6 to 8 weeks). And there are many who have got their doses as per the earlier recommendation. Do they need to be concerned? Legitimate question indeed, but as Dr Hemant Thaker, consultant physician & cardiometabolic specialist, Breach Candy, Jaslok, Bhatia and Reliance hospitals says, there’s nothing to worry.

“Let me assure everybody who has taken it (vaccine) with a 4, 6 or 8-week gap, there’s no problem. You got your antibodies and they will stay for the same amount of time,” he says, suggesting that with the passage of time, more and more data was being made available based on which earlier decisions were being reviewed.

“If they want to increase the gap to 12 to 16 weeks, let them do it. But the people, who have already taken it, don’t sulk. You have both doses; you have the certificate, be happy,” he said at an India Today roundtable hosted by Rajdeep Sardesai.

PS: This column (source: Union ministry of health, WHO, CDC) is for general information. For specific concerns, especially for those with comorbidities, it is advisable to consult your family physician.