Though more and more people are getting vaccinated in the U.S.—as many as 50% of Americans have gotten at least one dose—highly contagious forms of COVID-19 are continuing to spread. As these new forms of COVID spread nationwide, some citizens are wondering if they should get more than one vaccine.
Experts are advising against that. There is no evidence that getting vaccinated twice would provide better immunity or would keep you protected longer, according to experts.
Additionally, demand for the vaccine is still outpacing supply in many parts of the country. So if you’re worried about protection from COVID-19, it will actually be more effective to let someone else get their first set of shots before you get a second.
“It’s a bit too early to be getting greedy about taking multiple vaccines just yet,” University of Colorado immunologist Ross Kedl told Bloomberg News. “Let’s all just be content with one for now until everyone gets a shot.”
None of the vaccines available in the U.S. have been tested or approved for a second round of jabs. Booster shots may be necessary in the future, and scientists are exploring ways to make immunity from vaccines last longer, especially with new variants spreading to all 50 states.
But experts say it is still too early to be worrying about a second round of vaccinations, especially since both Moderna and Pfizer say their versions of the vaccine last at least six months (and probably much more than that).
Even if you have been vaccinated, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask and social distancing until more is learned about how vaccinated people spread COVID-19.
Read more on the coronavirus vaccines:
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- Going to college in the fall might require a COVID vaccine
- Is AstraZeneca losing the PR war surrounding its vaccine and potential blood clots?
- The Pfizer vaccine is already showing fantastic results for kids
- If you got the COVID vaccine but didn’t experience any side effects, is it still working?
- Which COVID vaccine is the best?
- If you’re vaccinated, you can now score hundreds of free Krispy Kreme doughnuts
- How many cigarettes do you need to have smoked to qualify for an early vaccine?
- How long will the COVID-19 vaccines keep you safe from the coronavirus?
- Can you drink alcohol after getting the coronavirus vaccine?
Sources: The Washington Post, CNET, Johns Hopkins, Bloomberg News
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