Better late than by no means: Experts on second dose of Covid vaccine

Express News Service
KOCHI: Reasons are many and different for the reluctance seen amongst some individuals to obtain the second dose of Covid vaccine. These vary from worry of uncomfortable side effects, frustration because of delay in getting slots for vaccination and technical points with the CoWIN portal to lack of religion after having contracted the an infection regardless of taking the primary shot of the vaccine. The second dose of the vaccine being important within the combat in opposition to Covid virus, specialists have unequivocally urged individuals to take it each time the jab is made accessible. 

With new variants of the virus circulating across the globe, it’s of utmost significance that the second dose of vaccine is taken on the earliest. Though there’s a delay at current in getting the second dose regardless of having accomplished the required time interval, it’s equally efficient each time one is ready to take the dose. 

“The time period for effectiveness of the first dose alone without the second dose and the degree of protection it would offer in such a case are unknown. However, in view of the present delay in providing the second dose of vaccination across the state, it is better to wait and take the jab whenever it is available, rather than not taking the vaccination at all. With the third wave imminent, the second dose of vaccination plays a crucial part, to acquire immunity,” mentioned Dr Monu Varghese, pulmonologist based mostly in Kochi.

More than 44 lakh individuals have gotten the second dose of the Covid jab within the state thus far, which implies 12.5 per cent of the inhabitants are totally vaccinated.  

“As far as the vaccination process is concerned, our state is doing much better compared to the other states. The initial glitches with the online registration are to an extent sorted out. On a priority basis, walk-in registration is facilitated for those past their required time interval for the second dose,” mentioned a Kerala Covid process power core crew member.