Can you get COVID-19 between vaccine doses?

Millions of Americans are vaccinated every day. When receiving the Moderna or Pzifer vaccine, you will need to consider two trips to your vaccination site and wait three or four weeks between each shot to allow the vaccine to reach its maximum potential. But while waiting for your second shot, is it possible to get COVID-19?

While this isn’t very common, it is possible to catch COVID-19 while waiting for your second dose. “You will see breakthrough infections with every vaccination if you vaccinate literally tens and tens of millions of people,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci during a press conference at the White House on March 26.

Photo by National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

According to medical experts, the first shot of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines builds up to 80% of immunity, but it’s a process that takes time. The shot causes your immune system to develop a response to the virus, which can be permanent for at least six months. This percentage is usually reached within the two week mark. It is important to remain vigilant throughout the vaccination process. This way you can avoid getting infected with the virus and get yourself a smooth, complete immunization from your vaccination.

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While it is possible to catch the virus in your body with a vaccine, it is very unlikely that you will develop serious illness or death. “In the studies, nobody who was vaccinated died. Of course, we have many, many more people in the real world, but they are still extremely effective in preventing serious illness and death, ”Infectious Disease Expert Valerie Cruzet told the Huffington Post. “That will certainly apply after your second dose, but probably also after the first dose.”

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If you get COVID-19 between vaccinations, your immunization process will likely stay intact, with the exception of a change in your timeline. According to the Centers for Disease Control: Vaccinating people with known current SARS-CoV-2 infection, including those who received SARS-CoV-2 after the first dose of an mRNA vaccine but before the second dose Infection occurs should be postponed until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person has had symptoms) and has met the criteria to end the isolation.

If you wait until the illness is over to get your second shot, your body will have time to develop an adequate and strong response to the vaccine.