Here’s what to expect when you get your second jab

Bengaluru: During these hard times of the pandemic, the need of the hour is to get vaccinated. It has been observed through many researches that even partial (one dose) vaccination can benefit to great extent. Also, it is highly advised to get the second shot as and when one can.

The second side helps to build a strengthened immune response over and above the first vaccine dose. It also gives a sense of security and assurance in the growing wave of virulent waves. Many people may have doubts regarding the side effects and the immune peaks while getting their second shot. Here’s what you can expect…

Are you immediately safe after getting the second jab?

Do not expect the immunity to build up as soon as you get the second jab.

Immunity peak and antibody protection take time to build up after the shot. Even if you get the side effects, the immunity takes at least 10-14 days to build up in your body. Therefore, a person is considered fully immunised only after 2 weeks after the vaccination.

This, it is always advised to follow all the Covid protocols.

Will the side effects be intense?

People who got the second dose of the vaccine have complained of feeling extremely lethargic, down and out for 2 days after vaccination. But, it is necessary to remember that different body reacts differently and may have different side effects. Some may get harsher side effects while others may experience less.

It can also happen that those who did not get any side effects during the first shot get some harsher ones during the second shot.

It has also been observed that women tend to get more severe side effects than men due to hormonal fluctuations.

Will the second jab be still effective if you have delayed it?

Presently, there has been a shortage of vaccines due to which there are vaccination delays from schedule dates. Those who take Covishield have less to worry about as there is a longer dosage gap, while those who take Covaxin can get their second shots delayed as the dosage gap is less. However, even if you get the shot late, it won’t make your vaccine ineffective or make you prone to vulnerabilities. The body remembers the immune response from the first shot and taking the second one only strengthens it.

Can the side effects be worse if you contracted Covid-19 after the first dose?

Most of the cases reported during the second wave involve those who have taken their first dose of vaccine. There have also been people who have taken the jabs weeks after their recovery from Covid-19. It is observed that those who have recovered from Covid-19 tend to get some harsher side effects. A stronger reaction to the vaccine may also indicate that they had contracted the virus unknowingly. However, there are no such proofs for the same. It just shows that our bodies react differently to the vaccine.

Therefore, people who have recovered from Covid-19 are advised to wait for 90 days to get their vaccine shot as they already have some level of immunity to protect them.

What else should you do if you develop an adverse reaction?

Adverse reactions, and allergies after vaccination are still considered to be rare. Those who do get these are advised to get clinical treatment and also to postpone their second shot. But, even if you get adverse reactions, do remember to get the second dose. What is needed is to be prepared by taking suitable precautions and inform the healthcare officials at the vaccination site about the prior experience.

Experience adverse reactions do not mean that they will occur the second time too. Most of these side effects are treated if picked on early. This, wait for 30 minutes after vaccination and be cautiously aware of what to expect.

Are there any things to do and not to do before the second jab?

Getting the second jab is significant. One should remember to sleep well, eat well, and reduce the stress levels before going to get vaccinated. A well-rested immune system reacts well and minimises side effects too.

Also, it is advised to avoid alcohol intake and other additives which may suppress immunity levels.