Doctor answers questions on what you need to know about getting your 3rd dose of the coronavirus vaccine

WHILE our people continue to receive the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, it is time for the third dose for those who were vaccinated in JanuaryFebruary. I would like to share with you the information published on July 2, 2021, by the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases regarding the third dose.

When should those who have received two doses of Sinovac vaccine get the third dose?

It has been determined that the immune response gradually decreases within three to six months in those who have received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine. Therefore, it is very important for those who have received two doses of Sinovac to receive the third dose of Sinovac vaccine within three to six months. In the coming months, the Delta variant of the coronavirus is expected to become the dominant virus all over the world. To increase immunity against the Delta variant, third doses must be administered.

For people who have the first two doses of Sinovac, especially those who are at high risk of encountering the virus, such as healthcare workers, those working in crowded areas, the elderly and immunocompromised, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended.

When should those who have received two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine receive the third dose?

It was determined that the immune response gradually decreased within nine to 12 months in those who received two doses of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. No additional vaccination is required during this period. The third dose studies on Pfizer-BioNTech are continuing and will be announced in the future.

Should I have an antibody test to decide whether or not to have the third dose of vaccine?

Definitely not. You do not need to have an antibody test to decide about a third dose of vaccine. Vaccines not only protect by creating antibodies, they also provide protection through the cellular pathway. In addition, if your antibody test shows a “false positive”, that is, high when your antibody level is low, it will delay the administration of your third dose of vaccine.

When should people who have had coronavirus get vaccinated?

It is stated that the immunity of those who have had coronavirus continues for six to 12 months. For this reason, it is recommended that those who have had coronavirus get vaccinated with either two doses of Sinovac or a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech three to six months after testing negative.

I got the coronavirus after two doses of the vaccine. When should I get a third dose?

Those who are in this situation should have their third dose of vaccine three to six months after recovering. Those who have coronavirus after a dose of the Sinovac vaccine should also get a second dose of Sinovac three to six months later.

Important note 1: The most effective vaccine against all coronavirus strains including the Delta variant is the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. However, since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is hard to come by, we should get vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available as it is a risk to wait for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Important note 2: As the PfizerBioNTech vaccine has arrived in Turkey, our politicians in power and the opposition have a great responsibility to obtain it.

Dr Mustafa Akansoy is head of the Thoracic Diseases Department at the Lefkoşa State Hospital.