If you've had covid and 1st vaccine are you getting the second?

[Lampshade685]

I had Covid at Christmas and have had my first vaccine (no side effects). I'm debating whether to get the second dose - how many antibodies does one need? For context - I'm young, fit and healthy.
I'm more inclined to get the second jab but have some doubt. I understand me having the second covid jab gives protection to others too but for instance I've never had the flu jab. Interested to hear what others are doing and why.

I had my second jab on Thursday (because of my job). I was very ill with the first dose but absolutely fine with the second. We can do it.

Yes. Had covid in October. Had first vaccine in femur. Will be getting second one in the next 2-3 weeks. If I'm offered any boosters going forward I'll get them too.

After being quite ill with covid I'm taking everything I can to,reduce the chances of catching it again!

Was that AZ Lucille?
My niece works for the NHS & has had covid. She was told that they know she doesn't need to have the 2nd Pfizer but they wanted her to have it anyway.

I think administratively it would be too tricky for the NHS to implement this. It would be costly and timely (having to give everyone antibody tests) and would slow down the vaccine rollout so I guess easier to just advise everyone to get both jabs. On a personal level I guess if it depends if you want you two stamps on your vaccine passport?!

@XiCi yes it was. I had Covid in December and was fine, Jab 1 in Feb and felt like death, Jab 2 no problem.

I had Covid a few months ago and have had my first jab. Had really strong side effects - apparently that's quite common for those who have had Covid as the immune system is already primed. The good news is that a recent Imperial College study has shown that the first jab offers enhanced protection against variants for those who have had prior infection.

That said I will still take the second dose to facilitate travel etc but glad there's a 12-week gap as I would not want to put myself through another dose any sooner.

Lots of confused understanding here.

Lack of Antibodies doesn't mean much as far as immunity goes. Antibodies are produced by B cells and will wane over time, but the B cells live on as memory cells so that the next time you get infected, they can quickly produce antibodies again.

At least one country has proceeded on the basis that anyone who's had covid only needs one jab - in this case the jab acts as a booster, however, in the UK, as this isn't policy, your vaccination status may not be recognised in the future should it be needed.

I have had Covid and a my first jab AZ. Felt pretty rubbish for a few days afterwards but will definitely take the 2nd one dose.

[quote OrchidLass]@CortisolandCaffeine I had my second vaccine as my GP told me that they really weren't sure that that was indeed the case for everyone. According to her, it may be for some, but not all and that having the 2nd vaccination was definitely advisable.[/quote]
This is your GP playing it safe for you, which is fair enough, but there’s good evidence to say you didn’t need it. Won’t do any harm though and I suspect will give a better protection against variants.

I agree with the poster who said it would be difficult for the NHS to deal with this administratively. But it would have been amazing to save that many doses of vaccine with a “one dose for previous COVID” strategy.

“Covid-19: People who have had infection might only need one dose of mRNA vaccine”

www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n308

Did you have AZ?

Nobody knows how long covid protection lasts because it varies from person to person, that's why it's easier to be cautious and give you an extra jab. If you don't get the second jab then you'll be included in a list of timewasters who GP surgeries need to call and call to try to persuade you to take the second jab. You'll also have to pay extra to travel overseas etc.

Absolutely.

@bumbleymummy

'Might'. 'Two small studies'. Nothing definitive there, as I don't suppose there can be with a novel virus. I also can't find anything more up to date than this 3 month old article. No way would I be taking the chance.

My side effects after having the first AZ were horrible, but nothing compared to CoVID. Side effects from the 2 dose were negligible thankfully.

I think not to have the 2nd dose is quite irresponsible to be honest. Most of us realise that the best way out of this shit show is vaccination.

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it - also applies to coats

Yes some countries are only giving one dose to people who’ve had confirmed covid but you would need to look carefully at which vaccines they’re using for this (not all vaccines work the same way) and what they’re basing this decision on. Also proof of vaccination for travelling is a valid point to consider. Even if you’re not planning on travelling for a while it could prove a pain in the arse to procure later down the line and potentially mean you have to take a complete course (two doses) depending on the guidelines in the future and how long it it’s been since your first.