Vaccine Haven USA's Dilemma... "I Won't Get the Second Dose"

8% of Vaccinated Individuals Did Not Receive Second Dose
Variable Emerges Ahead of July Herd Immunity Goal

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] More than half of American adults have received at least one dose of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, but concerns have been raised that the situation could worsen again. This is because a significant number of people are not receiving their second dose.

As vaccine demand is expected to fall short of supply after peaking, if the second dose uptake remains sluggish, the government's goal of achieving herd immunity by July could face a red light.

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 25th (local time), citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that 8% of those who received the first dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have not received the second dose. In Arkansas, 11% of first-dose recipients have not received their second dose.

The Pfizer vaccine requires the second dose to be completed within 3 weeks, and the Moderna vaccine within 4 weeks. The CDC does not consider vaccination complete with only the first dose.

The sluggishness in second dose administration raises doubts about whether the vaccination plan will proceed as intended, especially as the U.S. government is considering a third 'booster shot' to enhance vaccine effectiveness.

NYT reported that concerns about side effects and the perception that one dose is sufficient are factors behind not receiving the second dose.

Those who experienced side effects such as headaches and chills after the first dose are reluctant to get the second dose. The CDC's evaluation that the Pfizer vaccine provides 85% effectiveness after just one dose has also led some to believe that skipping the second dose is acceptable.

Experts warn that one dose alone may result in insufficient antibody formation and could make individuals more vulnerable to variant viruses.

The suspension of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose, due to blood clot issues, has also exacerbated the problem. Those who intended to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for convenience may end up receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, which require two doses, raising concerns that they might skip the second dose.

Issues in the vaccine distribution process have also been pointed out. For example, when the necessary vaccine is not available at the same location where the first dose was administered. There is also a high risk of delay in second doses when college students return home for vacation after receiving their first dose.

Health authorities appear visibly concerned about the sluggish second dose uptake. In Arkansas and Illinois, vaccination staff are being reminded to emphasize the importance of the second dose. Pennsylvania is encouraging college students to receive their second dose during the summer vacation period.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo also issued a warning. He emphasized, "If you received a vaccine that requires two doses, you must get both doses without exception."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.