How Long Does the Vaccine Protect Me?

Protection after COVID-19 vaccination

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from the virus. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Vaccine effectiveness

Vaccine effectiveness is the percentage of people who are vaccinated and do not get sick compared to the percentage of people who are not vaccinated and get sick. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Vaccine effectiveness over time

Studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are effective for at least six months. Some studies suggest that vaccine effectiveness may decline slightly over time, but protection against severe illness and death remains high.

Waning immunity

Waning immunity is the decrease in the body's ability to fight off an infection over time. It is normal for immunity to decline over time after vaccination. This is why booster doses are recommended for some COVID-19 vaccines.

Booster doses

Booster doses are additional doses of a vaccine given after the initial vaccination series. Booster doses are recommended for COVID-19 vaccines to help increase protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

The immune response

The immune response is the body's natural defense against infection. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune response to produce antibodies that protect the body from infection.

Antibody levels

Antibody levels are the amount of antibodies in the blood. Antibody levels are a measure of the immune response.

Antibody levels and protection

Higher antibody levels are associated with greater protection against infection. However, it is important to note that even low antibody levels can provide some protection against severe illness and death.

Duration of antibody levels

Antibody levels decline over time after vaccination. The duration of antibody levels varies from person to person. Some people may have higher antibody levels that last for a longer period of time, while others may have lower antibody levels that decline more quickly.

Factors that affect antibody levels

Several factors can affect antibody levels, including:

* Age: Older adults tend to have lower antibody levels than younger adults.

* Underlying health conditions: People with certain underlying health conditions, such as cancer or diabetes, may have lower antibody levels.

* Medications: Some medications can interfere with the immune response and lower antibody levels.

* Time since vaccination: Antibody levels decline over time after vaccination.

Recommendations for booster doses

Booster doses are recommended for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes people who are:

* Aged 50 years and older

* Have underlying health conditions

* Are immunocompromised

* Are pregnant

* Live in long-term care facilities

* Are healthcare workers

* Are essential workers

Timing of booster doses

The timing of booster doses varies depending on the vaccine. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, booster doses are recommended at least six months after the second dose. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a booster dose is recommended at least two months after the single dose.

Who should get a COVID-19 booster dose?

Everyone who is 12 years of age and older should get a COVID-19 booster dose. Booster doses are especially important for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

How can I get a COVID-19 booster dose?

You can get a COVID-19 booster dose at your doctor's office, pharmacy, or health department. You do not need to have an appointment to get a booster dose.