Corona current
What happens if I get infected between two vaccinations?
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The vaccination against the coronavirus takes place in two doses with a time interval. But between these doses you can actually still get infected with the virus. But why is that so?
Not only Germany is still relying on a combination of lockdown and vaccinations in the fight against the corona virus. The vaccines are inoculated in two doses, about two weeks apart, before the actual effectiveness of the respective vaccine is achieved. However, this also means that after the first dose of vaccination, there is still a likelihood of contracting the coronavirus that should not be underestimated. “Especially with vaccines that require two doses – like Pfizer or Moderna – it’s important to still take precautions because you’re not fully vaccinated and you can get infected between doses,” said Amesh Adalja of Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security opposite Refinery29.
Effectiveness only achieved after two doses
The reason for this lies in the effectiveness of the individual doses of the vaccines. The Biontech / Pfizer vaccine is loud Study information for example, only 52 percent effective after the first vaccination. With Moderna, the effectiveness of the first vaccination is already 80 percent, but the effectiveness of both increases on average to over 90 percent with the second vaccination dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immune system needs about two weeks to react to the coronavirus. That is why the second vaccination is so important.
In addition, it seems to play a role exactly when you become infected after the first vaccination: Immediately after the first vaccination, the immune system did not have time to deal with the virus. Anyone who becomes infected at this time can therefore develop just as severe a course of Covid 19 as someone who has not yet had a vaccination. If the infection occurs about two weeks after the first vaccination, Adalja assumes the disease will be milder. “If the first vaccination was two weeks ago, I suspect that the immunity achieved with the vaccine could have an impact on how severe the infection becomes. In the time before that, I think there is no vaccine-related immunity.”
What to do if i’m infected
If you actually get sick between the two doses of the vaccine, basically the same rules apply as for an infection without a vaccination: You should isolate yourself at home and avoid contact with others. According to Adalja, you should still get the second dose of vaccine. “But only if you are no longer contagious. So it should be about ten days since you developed symptoms or tested positive.” However, this period of time can vary – some people recover less quickly, suffer from symptoms longer and should rather delay the second vaccination. It can also be useful up to 20 days. It is best to talk to your doctor about this.
Swell: Refinery29.com, study