Coronavirus In Context Video Series
- Dr. Topol on the 2nd Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Kids and Teens
- COVID-19: Ethics and the Unvaccinated
- Dr. Phil Gives Mental Health Tips for the Holidays
- Interferon Beta Inhalation Shows Promise in Treating COVID-19
- Eric Topol, MD, Discusses the Omicron Variant, Therapeutics, and Rising Case Counts
- How Will We Know When the Pandemic is 'Over'?
- Promising Data on New COVID-19 Therapeutics
- HEP-COVID Clinical Trial Results on the Prevention of Blood Clots
- Confused About COVID-19 Boosters?
- FDA Chief's Take on Child Vaccines, Boosters, and Antivirals
- Dr. Phil Provides Actionable Steps to Help Maximize Mental Health
- Dr. Topol Provides Answers About Boosters, Vaccination for Kids, and Antiviral Treatments
- Impact of COVID-19 on Children's Mental Health
- How to Use a COVID-19 Rapid Test at Home
- Foods That Can Help Boost Your Immunity
- What is Long COVID and How Do You Know If You Have It?
- Sickle Cell Disease and COVID-19
- Are You Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot?
- See All
Is More Than One Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine Necessary?
Published on Jan 16, 2021
Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JOHN WHYTE: Why do I need more
than one shot
of the coronavirus vaccine?
Both the Pfizer-BioNTech
and Moderna vaccines require two
doses to offer the full benefit.
The first dose helps
the immune system create
a response against SARS-CoV-2,
the virus that causes COVID-19.
The second dose further boosts
the immune response to ensure
long-term protection.
Research shows that the vaccines are more than 50% effective 10 days or so after the first shot and nearly 95% effective several days after the second. Each vaccine requires different spacing between the doses. So it's really important to work with your doctor to get the timing right on the vaccine you are given.
And please make sure you get the second shot. I don't want you to think one is better than none. You do need both. The reality is that getting two shots isn't new to vaccines. Several vaccines require that, including for hepatitis B, HPV, and shingles.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Research shows that the vaccines are more than 50% effective 10 days or so after the first shot and nearly 95% effective several days after the second. Each vaccine requires different spacing between the doses. So it's really important to work with your doctor to get the timing right on the vaccine you are given.
And please make sure you get the second shot. I don't want you to think one is better than none. You do need both. The reality is that getting two shots isn't new to vaccines. Several vaccines require that, including for hepatitis B, HPV, and shingles.
[MUSIC PLAYING]