Good news for those who need vaccination

Ready for heartening news about covid vaccines?

The latest research shows:

• Pfizer vaccine generates robust immunity of up to 65% after only 1 dose.

• Pfizer wants regulators to allow them to deliver and store vaccine in normal freezers , around minus 4° F.

• Covid-19 survivors may need no more than 1 vaccine dose, making a 2nd shot unnecessary.

This could make more vaccine available to more people.

Storing Pfizer vaccine in regular freezers could make it more available in rural Lexington County.

Are you in danger if 2nd dose is delayed?

Arctic winter weather has delayed covid-19 vaccine deliveries.

Several states have reported shipment delays.

If you’re due for your 2nd dose and your appointment was canceled, you may have questions about how many days you can go without the shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can delay a 2nd dose for up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the 1st dose.

The CDC noted “limited data” on how well the vaccines perform if they’re given after 6 weeks.

If the 2nd dose is given later, you don’t need to start all over again, the CDC said. If you can’t get your 2nd dose in 6 weeks, many infectious disease experts believe the 1st dose will still be effective.

“You’ll get the full benefit whenever you get the 2nd dose,” says infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “However, the quicker you get the second dose, the faster you’ll have the full protection.”

The Chronicle welcomes your covid questions about testing and vaccinations. Email Jerry Bellune at JerryBellune@yahoo.com .