COVID vaccine, skip the second shot?

[McLovin]

I was ok with getting the first dose of Pfizer (although I don’t really trust anything to do with COVID 100%, too much conflicting info on most aspects, and it can’t be denied that by definition the long the term effects of the vaccines is not 100% known).

But the second one makes me a little nervous for some reason. I think partly because I’ve known some people with some side effects after the second. And also because it seems like the 2 dose regimen in the trials was kind of a guess, necessary because of the time pressures.

And because of those pressures, I’d think there was more incentive to overdo it rather than underdo it.

And also it seems like evidence is mounting that Pfizer is very effective after one dose. Likely more effective than the 1 dose J&J.

E.g., https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-vaccine-one-shot-effectiveness-pfizer-moderna-astrazeneca-vaccines-dose-2021-3

So it’s starting to feel like 2 doses is overdoing it a bit.

I’m not in any at risk category. I’m retired and lucky enough to not have to be around other humans much.

What’s the board wisdom on that?

[beepbeep]

You already got the 5G chip, might as well get the immunity.

[WPOZZZ]

Chant this mantra continuously to keep you safe. Klaatu barada nikto.

[Noah930]

Why wouldn't you get the 2nd shot? Because you might feel crappy for a day or two afterwards? That's going to stop you? You're second guessing the science behind it all?

Initially the data suggested about 50% protection after the first dose, and something like 95% after the 2nd. The guy in the article you linked claims that his guess is probably closer to 80-90% after the first dose. However, the article failed to mention any of the rationale, other than that he had reviewed data. So while it's encouraging that perhaps the 1st dose may even confer 80-90% protection, right now that's a guess, and the official manufacturer recs still claim 50%/95% protection.

Get the 2nd shot.

[rfuerst911sc]

Before getting the first shot ( yesterday ) I called my doctor . He took the time to explain the pros and cons and ultimately suggested my wife and I get the vaccination . Yesterday when we showed up for our appointment the health professionals were very open and willing to answer any questions . I tend to listen to subject matter experts vs politicians . We get our 2nd Moderna shot on 4/13 . Vaccines are not 100% foolproof but neither is life . Get the 2nd shot is my suggestion .

[ckelly78z]

Everything I have heard is that the first shot is soon irrelevant without a properly timed second shot, not just half the immunity.

[1990C4S]

If you're still undecided after reading Post #4, go back to #4 and read it again.

[vonsmog]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Before getting the first shot ( yesterday ) I called my doctor . He took the time to explain the pros and cons and ultimately suggested my wife and I get the vaccination . Yesterday when we showed up for our appointment the health professionals were very open and willing to answer any questions . I tend to listen to subject matter experts vs politicians . We get our 2nd Moderna shot on 4/13 . Vaccines are not 100% foolproof but neither is life . Get the 2nd shot is my suggestion .

Same here, my wife and I got our first shots of Moderna yesterday and get the second on 4/13 as well. My arm is a bit sore, but that is it. We can't wait to get the second shot, so life can get somewhat back to normal for us. We plan on doing some traveling in our RV this summer as well as sell our house and move out west. We are ready to live again! Still want to go to Europe and travel around, but looks like that will not be until 2022 with what is going on over there.

[URY914]

GMAFB

Get the shot.

[Chocaholic]

I share your concern McLovin. I tend to distrust such things when there is so much political furor involved. The number of cases in America is falling steadily. And it’s not only because a small % have been vaccinated. We live in a rural lake community, and have not altered our behavior much. Keep reasonable distance from others, wear masks when near people, wash hands.

Have an appointment with our family doctor tomorrow. Will see what he says. He’s a pretty pragmatic guy and definitely not a fear monger. I’d say, talk to a trusted family doc then go with your gut... and don’t listen to people on the internet. It’s human nature to want others to confirm their decisions. That’s not your responsibility. Do your DD and make your own decision. Short term, I have very little concern...long term is a wild card. Anyone who says otherwise should be considered with ample suspicion.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

...... The number of cases in America is falling steadily. And it’s not only because a small % have been vaccinated. .......

A large percentage of the most vulnerable have been vaccinated:


https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations

All but 5 states have administered at least 30,000 shots per 100,000 people.

I would not call that a small percentage.

Another data point for OP, My father-in-law (91 YO) and I received 2nd dose of Pfizer with no side effects. Same for my mother, brother, and sister with Moderna.

And remember, if you get the second shot, you can have a beer with friends on the 4th of July!

[LWJ]

I get the logic. But, here is some more.

I got the second shot a week ago. My wife was under the weather all weekend and I felt poorly for a day.

Which is good. It means we had strong reactions.

This thing is still mutating. Better immunity is only better.

Get it.

[cabmandone]

Get the second shot. It's not as big and scary as some make it out to be. I felt a little rough after my second dose of the Moderna vaccine but it was nothing that kept me from doing my daily routine. Ya gotta get out of your head here. You're half way there, no reason not to go all in.

[red-beard]

First, they are reactions not side effects. Your body is doing what it is supposed to do. Fever, chills, etc is showing that your immune system is working. Reaction.

Moderna arm is a side effect.

Part of the reason cases are going down is testing is going down. Why? The people who most needed and likely to seek testing are, or have been, vaccinated.

Why not the rest of the world? We are way ahead in vaccinations. And this is pissing off the rest of the world.

[aschen]

Teams with enough expertise to develop the pizer variant, after considering 10s of thousands of data points, decided the two dose technique was required.

Really no amount postulating from news sources can be more compelling.

I received the moderna version and I had a mild reaction for less than a day. A privilege in my book.

[red-beard]

Testing is presently underway for the J&J to become a 2 shot regimen. They are taking the original participants in the phase 3 trials and giving them a "booster" shot. I discussed this with the testing clinic yesterday, since they are locally running ALL of the Covid-19 Vaccine trials (except Astro-Zeneca).

If you are scared of the shots, Novavax should have the least complications. But you are stupid to wait if you can get any of them now!

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I received the second Pfizer a while back. Easy Peasy. No third nipple here.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by McLovin

...But the second one makes me a little nervous for some reason. I think partly because I’ve known some people with some side effects after the second....

That's exactly what you want to see - it is your body working against a virus that isn't in your system. And that's happening because the first shot already got your body to create a small amount of the antibodies - the second dose puts your body into high gear. Think of it this way: first dose forced your body to send out a reconnaissance team. The second dose: the fully amry.

Get the second shot. No doubt.

[GH85Carrera]

Get the second shot. It is when the real immunity goes to max. For me, it was a piece of cake. No different than the first shot.

[dad911]

I had 2 shots, and I'm going to meet someone that had covid 2 weeks ago.

Will do everything we're not supposed to, to confirm effectiveness.