Second vaccine dose must if you get Covid after first jab: DAK

Srinagar, May 11: If you have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and got infected with the virus, you should go for the second shot soon after the recovery,” said Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday in a communiqué.“People who contract Covid after the first dose still need to get the second jab,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr. Nisar ul Hassan.“However, you shouldn’t get the vaccine while sick,” he said. Dr. Hassan said you should get your second dose as soon as your isolation is over.“One should take the second shot 2 weeks after all the symptoms of Covid have been resolved,” he said.“I am aware of several cases where someone tested positive for Covid-19 after getting their first dose,” Dr. Hassan said.“They should get their second dose of the vaccine after they get over with their quarantine to gain its full protective benefits,” he said. The DAK President said you are fully protected against the Covid only after the second dose.“It is vitally important to get both doses for best protection against the Covid,” he said.“The first dose primes the body with an initial immune response,” Dr. Nisar said.“Second dose is the one that really gives the boost to the immune system. It induces a level of virus-neutralizing antibodies about 10-fold greater than the first dose,” he said.“Also, the second dose induces cellular immunity, which predicts not only longer protection but better protection against variant strains,” he added. Dr. Nisar said there are two Covid-19 vaccines that are being used in Kashmir right now – Covaxin and Covishield which have a two-dose schedule.He said doses are spaced depending on which vaccine you get.“The time interval between two doses of Covaxin is 4-6 weeks, while the second dose of Covishield can be taken 4-8 weeks after the first. But, there is some data that delaying the second dose of Covishield up to 12 weeks gives a better immune boost,” he informed.“It is imperative to take the same vaccine for both doses and mixing of the two should not be done,” he added(KNT)