Immunity imp, don’t delay 2nd vaccine dose, advise doctors

Nagpur: As cases of Covid-19 keep rising, many people feel delaying their second dose will help them avoid risk of infection at vaccination centres. However doctors say such a decision is nothing short of a ‘blunder’ as vaccine offers the best chance of protection against the virus.
Dr Nitin Shinde, well known infectious disease specialist, said people must not even think twice over going for that second jab. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea to delay the second shot, if you are eligible for it. One must wear protection kits (masks etc) while going for vaccination. In fact, at every centre all safety protocols are are being followed anyway, so it really does not make any sense to be overly worried about it,” said Dr Shinde.
Dr Sanjay Marathe, an authority in immunization and vaccine research, said delaying the second shot of vaccine will in fact decrease their immunity. “While I understand their concern that during these times, when cases are quite high, there is a fear of getting infected if you step out. But it’s important to remember that the vaccine provides you with a very healthy level of immunity. That second dose will complete your vaccination schedule and almost guarantee that you will not get a severe level of Covid-19 infection,” said Dr Marathe.
Dr Shishir Shrivastava, who’s treating many Covid-19 patients at his hospital, said vaccination is our best chance of achieving herd immunity. “We need 70% of our population to develop anti-bodies to achieve herd immunity. Now these anti-bodies can be developed either through vaccination or through infection, and I am sure any sensible person will prefer the former method. Also after two doses you may still get infected, but your chances of getting hospitalized are virtually nil,” said Shrivastava.
Dr Sandeep Mogre, who’s running both a Covid-19 hospital and a vaccination centre, said people coming for vaccination will have to take care but that should not be interpretated as ‘dangerous’. “In these times you must consider everyone as Covid-19 positive and take due care. Wear a double mask and face shield as this is one the best protection you can get for yourself at a vaccination centre. But do not even think of delaying the second shot because right now that’s the only protection we know of, that works against the virus,” said Dr Mogre.