The second COVID-19 dose is important, even if it has been 2 weeks since your first dose

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The race to vaccinate is slowing down to nearly a complete stop in Lee County.

Some people are showing up for their first dose but then skipping their second, Lee Health officials said.

Health experts are urging people who’ve gotten their first dose to also get the second, if their shot follows a two-dose series.

Although getting the first dose does offer some protection, you’re not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after the second dose.

People who may be putting off getting the shot are being urged to get it, even if it’s been longer than two weeks since their first dose. Starting the vaccination process over is not recommended.

“The first shot is going to give you about 60-70% effectiveness but it’s really that second shot that’s going to get us to that 90% effectiveness,” Robert Hawkes, Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Florida Gulf Coast University, said.

Walk-in appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine are available at the Gulf Coast Medical Center for anyone ages 12 and up.

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