Andina

Peru: After second COVID-19 vaccine dose, how long should I wait to be protected?

Photo: ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

Photo: ANDINA/Vidal Tarqui

14:43 | Lima, May. 19.

People, who received the second dose of the vaccine against COVID-19, must wait three weeks —after its administration— to be protected, since the body develops its immune capacity during that time, infectious disease specialist at the National Health Institute (INS) Lely Solari affirmed on Wednesday.

During those weeks, the body will generate antibodies and a cellular response that consists of the production of lymphocytes. That means special white blood cells which protect people from the virus, she told Andina news agency.

Although being immunized means being better protected from the coronavirus, Solari reminded citizens that vaccines are not 100% effective.

According to the physician that of Pfizer is 95% effective in preventing infection, while those of Sinopharm and AstraZeneca are 80%.

In terms of its effectiveness in preventing severe infection and death from COVID-19, the Pfizer vaccine reaches 99%, while those of Sinopharm and AstraZeneca range between 85% and 90%.

It is important to know that since clinical studies show that the immune response decreases at ages 70, 80 and 90, just as vision is lost as the years go by.

Yet it does not mean that the elderly population needs more vaccines, but that they must continue to take care of themselves despite being vaccinated against coronavirus.

In all cases, people who received the second vaccine dose should continue to wear a double face mask and face shield in closed spaces, as well as comply with social distancing, wash hands frequently, and avoid social gatherings, the expert said.

The INS infectologist pointed out that —by preventing severe disease with vaccines— there will be ICU beds for those who are not yet immunized and fall ill. In addition, there will be greater coverage of beds to care for patients suffering from other diseases.

Greater and faster coverage


Solari also expressed concern about the figure, noting that the vaccination rate is slow and needs to be improved. The United States, for example, has 50% of its population protected and is boosting strategies to reach out to people who resist immunization.

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Publicado: 19/5/2021