According to a recent CNN.com report, a growing number of people haven’t gone back to get their second Covid shot.
According to statistics, as of June 16th, 88% of people who got the first dose of either the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna shots were eligible to receive the second one.
But now, more than one in ten people (11% to be specific) have actually failed to show up to get the second shot.
This is concerning, seeing as how the Delta variant, a newer Covid variant that’s potentially both more transmissible and more dangerous, is gaining more and more ground in the United States.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Danger In Only Getting A First Dose
Yes, it’s true that a single dose of the Covid vaccines will protect you.
But according to studies, the vaccines are much better at preventing the Delta variant of the virus after getting both doses of the vaccine.
Statistics are showing that, after one dose, you’re 33% protected, as opposed to being 88% protected after getting both doses.
What Should You Do If You’ve Only Received One Dose Of The Covid Vaccine?
If you got your first vaccine dose, and are eligible to get the second one, the rule of thumb is to get it as soon as possible.
There are many reasons for why people may put it off.
Some people think that they’re protected enough with one dose that getting the second dose becomes a less-important priority. Some people get busy, and some have hectic schedules that have made getting the second dose less convenient.
With everything opening up and life returning more to a ‘normal’ state, it’s certainly possible that people are busier than they were a month ago—and that doubtlessly contributes to the problem.
But here’s the thing.
Getting that second shot is actually really important.
It more than doubles your protection from the Delta Covid variant. And that’s no small thing.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Gotten Any Covid Vaccine Shots?
According to the CDC, the Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Everyone 12 years of age or older is now eligible to get a vaccine. There are also several different vaccines available.
At the end of the day, getting the vaccine is pretty much universally considered the best way to protect not just yourself, but also others, from possible Covid infections.
And getting started with that process seems to be what the vast majority of doctors and specialists agree to be the best way to defeat Covid in the long run.
In Conclusion
So what does all of this mean for you?
It means that if you want to maximize your Covid protection and return fully to life as normal, it’s in your best interest to get your second vaccine and finish out your full vaccination.
The process is basically painless, and the vaccines are available for free at most local pharmacies, doctor’s offices, etc.
It’s time to get vaccinated, to help stop the spread of Covid and end the pandemic for good.
