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As the U.S. progresses towards achieving herd immunity, a troubling revelation has surfaced: over 5 million individuals, approximately 8% of those who received their first dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, failed to follow up with their second shot this month. There are various factors contributing to this trend.
According to a report by The Daily Chronicle, based on CDC data collected between March 7 and April 9, over 5 million people who received their initial dose did not return for the second. This figure is more than double the number of those who skipped their second dose in February.
The reasons behind this phenomenon are diverse. Some individuals expressed concerns about potential side effects from the second dose, while others mistakenly believed that one dose would provide sufficient protection against COVID-19.
Regarding side effects, it’s known that the second dose can cause some discomfort, but with a day off to recover and some over-the-counter pain relief, the temporary aches are a small price to pay for long-lasting protection against the virus.
While a single dose does offer some level of protection (estimated at around 80%), it remains uncertain how long that immunity lasts without the second dose. Current evidence suggests that protection from both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines lasts at least six months, provided that both doses are received.
“Receiving the second dose is crucial for sustained immunity,” Dr. Emily Carter, co-director of the Center for Vaccine Research at Riverbend Children’s Hospital, told NBC News. Additionally, Dr. Brian Lee, a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, highlighted that significant protection against new COVID-19 variants is only achieved after the second dose.
“My message has always been clear: mRNA vaccines offer optimal protection only after two doses,” Dr. Carter noted on Twitter. “With just one dose, the levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies and protection can be highly variable, leading to more breakthrough infections.”
While many individuals chose not to return for their second shot, some reported issues stemming from miscommunication with health providers. The Daily Chronicle mentioned that some pharmacies, like CVS, sent patients who received their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to locations that only had the alternative vaccine available. There were also instances where health providers canceled second doses due to late vaccine shipments, and some individuals missed their rescheduled appointments. One woman recounted her experience of visiting three different pharmacies, all out of the Pfizer vaccine, despite having an appointment.
Another factor contributing to missed second doses is that, prior to opening vaccine appointments to all Americans, many younger individuals were able to secure “leftover doses” at the end of the day. However, many clinics that administered these doses could not guarantee a follow-up appointment for the second dose, leaving recipients in the lurch.
For those still awaiting their second dose, the CDC advises receiving the second Pfizer vaccine shot three weeks after the first, and the second Moderna dose four weeks later. However, if an appointment is missed, the second dose can still be administered up to six weeks after the first.
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Summary
Over 5 million individuals in the U.S. skipped their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, with concerns about side effects and misconceptions about protection levels being major factors. Reports indicate systemic issues with health providers and access to second doses have also contributed to this trend. The CDC emphasizes the importance of receiving both doses for optimal protection against the virus and its variants.