Will I still be protected if I only get one dose? Why is important to get the second dose?

If you received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for your first dose, it is very important to get both doses of the vaccine so that your body develops enough antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus if you get infected in the future.

It is also very important that you receive the second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine on time. The time frame between the vaccine’s first and second dose is determined by the companies producing the vaccine to maximize your body’s ability to create antibodies against the virus. Many vaccinators will go ahead and schedule your appointment for your second dose while making your first appointment or during your appointment.

Getting more than one dose for a vaccine is not unusual. In fact, it’s the norm. Many routine vaccines require more than one dose for maximum protection.

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1. Can I get a booster shot of the COVID vaccine?
2. Why should children get the COVID-19 vaccine?
3. How soon after having COVID can I get vaccinated?
4. Why should I get vaccinated if I've already had COVID-19?
5. What do I do if I lose my vaccine card?
6. Can I stop wearing a mask and following public health protocols if I am vaccinated?
7. After getting vaccinated, do I still need to quarantine after possible exposures?
8. Can I still catch COVID after being vaccinated? Can I still spread COVID after being vaccinated?
9. After I’ve gotten vaccinated, how long will it take to get immunity?
10. Will I still be protected if I only get one dose? Why is important to get the second dose?
11. If I get symptoms shortly after I’ve been vaccinated, should I get tested?
12. What is community immunity or herd immunity? How many people need to get vaccinated to develop community immunity from COVID-19?
13. Are the vaccines effective against variants?