As the holidays approach, we give a quick reminder of the time from which the vaccine against the coronavirus is effective after injection.
The end-of-year celebrations are the time for large family and friendly gatherings — we celebrate, we eat, we give each other gifts. Since the pandemic took hold, this period always raises the question of protection against covid in the face of cluster risks — self-protection, like the protection of others.
However, from now on, we know that the second booster dose – or 4th dose – is generally open to any adult person who wishes it. This is all the more relevant at a time when fragile people will potentially rub shoulders with more people. Until when is it useful to get vaccinated for these festive events?
It takes 15 days for full protection
The protection begins to build after 7 days, but for it to be fully effective, it is necessary to wait about two weeks. It is from there, and only from there, that the immune system will be truly ready to block an attack by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. A vaccine actually works on a preparation mechanism: the body learns (or relearns in the event of a recall) to fight a pathogen, it takes time. Being exposed to covid too soon after the injection may not curb the disease.
Concretely, if we relate these delays to the holidays, this means that:
- For Christmas, it’s now or never for a minimum useful protection, and it’s already starting to be a little late (ideally, it would have been necessary to get vaccinated December 12 or 13). If you miss the mark, it may be necessary to accentuate the barrier gestures.
- New Year’s, on the other hand, is the right time — it will start to get late as soon as December 20.
Note that, in any case, it’s not just the holidays: vaccination against covid remains recommended anyway, even if you miss these specific deadlines for this period.