COVID-19 vaccine after recovery: What we need to know
Around the country, people who have recovered from coronavirus infection have been advised to wait for at least 3 months before getting their COVID-19 vaccine. While there are a lot of benefits to 'delaying' vaccination after battling the virus, there have been increasing reports and case studies that suggest that recovered patients might require a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
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Getting a single dose of coronavirus vaccines offers partial immunity. But why has this been recommended for COVID-19 patients? We explain...onavirus vaccines offers partial immunity. But why has this been recommended for COVID-19 patients? We explain...
Why are recovered COVID patients asked to defer vaccination?
Vaccination guidelines currently advise people who have recovered from coronavirus to wait for at least 3 months before getting their COVID-19 jab. The recommendation, which has also been suggested by doctors, has been put into consideration since it is believed that a person who recovers from coronavirus does gain a sufficient level of immunity (antibody protection) after fighting the infection, and hence, they do not require the additional purpose of artificial (vaccine-driven) immunity for a while.
Why do they need just a single dose?
Two-dose regimes of COVID vaccines work to strengthen immunity and prevent future infection. While the first dose of any vaccine works to dole out antibodies after recognition of the pathogen, it is believed that the second dose of the vaccine goes over and above, and further strengthens the immune response.
For example, current studies have observed that a single dose of the Covishield (Oxford-Astrazeneca) vaccine not just boosts antibody production, but works well enough to support a recovered patient who takes the vaccine. A most recent study conducted out of AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, which has also been published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, a peer-reviewed journal also observed that recovered patients getting a single shot showcased a more robust antibody response, in comparison to those who didn't have a prior history of infection.
What gives them an edge?
Another reason why recovered patients may need just a single dose is because of the function played by memory T-cell and B-cell responses. In addition to the presence of natural immunity, vaccine-drive immunity may drive a better and potent antibody response, which is then also better remembered by memory cells. The response of a single dose vaccine was also at par with people who received two doses of the vaccine.
Will this be helpful?
There have been a lot of recommendations regarding the way vaccine distribution is taken care of, including extending the gap of Covishield doses.
An observation like this, allowing recovered people to get just a single dose may be strategically helpful to cover large sections of the society, especially at a time when we are facing an acute shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, India and worldwide.
How safe is it?
It is important to remember that virulent viruses can lessen down the efficacy of the vaccines, and we still do not have enough proof of complete 100% protection or prevention. There have also been pressing reports of reinfection reported as well.
As for the safety concerns, vaccines minimize your risk of infection. Peak immunity builds up after 2-3 weeks post getting vaccinated. However, they do not completely mitigate the risk of catching the infection. Therefore, following COVID-appropriate behaviour and preventive measures are still essential to follow, whether or not you have had COVID-19 in the past.
Should you still skip your second dose?
Do remember that the above observations, although helpful, haven't been pushed forward as official guidelines, and will require more research as officials plan to inoculate the majority masses by the end of 2021. Therefore, if you are scheduled to get vaccinated, one may still require two full doses to be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Do not delay, skip or avoid your dose, unless you have been specifically advised to do so.
However, the inferences will offer some security and respite to people who have recently recovered from COVID-19.
There may also be categories of people who may still need assurance of two doses, or booster shots. For example, those who have a known risk of reinfection (older in age, women, have a pre-existing illness or frail immunity), or other risk factors should still prioritize getting full vaccination right now.