The corona vaccines are highly effective against Covid-19. However, a second dose is necessary to build up full vaccination protection – as a new study from Israel shows.
More and more people are getting their first vaccination against Covid-19 . A second corona vaccination is necessary within 42 days in order to obtain full vaccination protection. A study from Israel, based on data between January 24 and April 3, 2021, shows how important the effectiveness of the double vaccination is.
Table of Contents
Corona vaccination: First dose protects 58 percent
An evaluation by the Ministry of Health in the Lancet shows that the BioNTech vaccine achieved the same effect as in the clinical studies – but only when it was also administered twice. Seven to 14 days after the first vaccination, the mRNA vaccine provides 58 percent protection against infection with Covid-19 . There is also a protection of 76 percent from hospitalization and 77 percent from death. After the second dose, the risk of contracting the coronavirus, being hospitalized, or dying is reduced by 95 percent.
Delta variant: Only complete vaccination protects against mutation
The situation is different with the contagious Delta variant . The mutation from India is considered to be particularly contagious and is more resistant to the corona vaccines than previous mutations . According to data from the British government, the protective effect after the first Biontech vaccination is only around 33 percent.
Only people who have been vaccinated completely and therefore twice are well protected.
Also interesting: Delta variant – am I protected with my vaccination? >>
According to Drosten, the first vaccination boosters in the fall
A first vaccination dose not only protects less, but also for a shorter time – especially in areas with new virus mutations, this means an increased risk of infection. Therefore, even if the first corona vaccination already provides partial protection, you should continue to adhere to the existing rules of distance and hygiene as well as contact restrictions.
According to the study, there is also little knowledge about the duration of immunity after the second vaccination. Virology Christian Drosten recently commented on this in the podcast Corona virus update . “From autumn or winter, at least the risk groups will be injected with a one-time booster vaccination.” The vaccination against Covid-19 – like a flu vaccination – would probably have to be refreshed annually.
