Know the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Maximum Protection from Corona Virus

The government continues to promote vaccination programs to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. To form a stronger immune system against the Corona virus, additional doses or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are also given.

There are several vaccine brands used by the government to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, namely Sinovac, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Novavax, Sinopharm, Moderna, and the Merah Putih vaccine produced by PT. Bio Farma.

Each brand of vaccine is generally given twice and has a dose of booster with different spacing.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Function

The COVID-19 vaccine works by triggering the body's immune system to fight the Corona virus. Thus, the risk of being infected with this virus will be smaller. Despite contracting COVID-19, the vaccine can prevent sufferers from experiencing severe symptoms and the risk of complications such as death.

However, the length of protection provided by the vaccine to ward off the Corona virus is not yet fully known. Therefore, it is necessary to give additional doses or doses of booster.

The goal is to extend the duration of protection. Dose booster The COVID-19 vaccine is also needed to maintain the body's immunity from mutations or new variants of the Corona virus.

Until now, research is still being carried out to determine the effectiveness of each type of vaccine and the length of protection that can be given.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose

Each type of COVID-19 vaccine has a different dose injection time booster vaccine or second injection. Here is the explanation:

1. Sinovac Vaccine

The Sinovac or CoronaVac vaccine is given twice, with a single injection dose of 0.5 ml. The interval of administration between the first and second doses is 2–4 weeks.

If the second dose is given less than 2 weeks after the first dose, a third dose is not necessary. Meanwhile, if the second dose is delayed by more than 4 weeks, the second dose should be given as soon as possible.

2. AstraZeneca Vaccine

AstraZeneca vaccine is given in two doses, ie as much as 0.5 ml in each injection. The interval between the injection of the first and second doses is 8–12 weeks. Studies show that giving a second dose 12 weeks apart can provide longer protection against the Corona virus.

3. Sinopharm Vaccine

Sinopharm vaccine is also given in two injections, with the amount of vaccine liquid 0.5 ml in each dose. The WHO recommended interval for Sinopharm vaccine is 3-4 weeks between the first and second doses.

If the second dose is more than 4 weeks late, a second injection should be given as soon as possible.

4. Moderna Vaccine

The Moderna vaccine is given in two injections, with a dose of 0.5 ml in each injection. The interval of administration between the first and second injections is 28 days. However, for certain conditions, the dosing interval can be extended up to 42 days.

Countries facing a spike in COVID-19 cases and experiencing vaccine stock constraints may consider postponing the second dose by up to 12 weeks.

The existing stock can be used as the first dose, so that the public's coverage of getting the vaccine is higher. Research shows that this method is considered to have a positive impact on public health in countries with this condition.

Until now, there has been no research on the effectiveness of the vaccine, if the second dose of Moderna vaccine is given before 28 days or after 42 days. However, if you miss your prescribed vaccine schedule, you don't need to repeat the vaccine from the original dose.

5. Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is given in two doses, with each dose of 0.3 ml. The interval between doses is 21–28 days. The second dose is needed to further increase the body's immunity against the new variant of the Corona virus.

If the second dose is accidentally administered less than 21 days after the first dose, it is not necessary to repeat the vaccine. Meanwhile, if the second dose is accidentally delayed, it should be given as soon as possible.

6. Novavax Vaccine

Novavax vaccine is given in two doses, with an interval of 21 days. Based on recent research, both doses of Novavax vaccine can protect against variants of the new Corona virus originating from the UK and Africa.

Meanwhile, for the Red and White vaccine produced by PT. Bio Farma, no information has been found regarding the dosage or the time interval for dosing booster vaccine. Until now, the vaccine is still undergoing clinical trials and is expected to be released in early 2022.

Vaccines are a preventative measure, not a cure. Therefore, it is recommended that you continue to follow the health protocol even though you have received a dose booster COVID-19 vaccine.

If you still have questions about the various vaccines and doses booster COVID-19 vaccine, you can consult a doctor. You can also use the features chat doctor directly by downloading the ALODOKTER application.