Together with experts, we understand the intricacies of revaccination and find out whether it makes sense to find out the antibody titer before vaccination, remember the drug that has already been injected into you, and the date when this happened.
The subtleties of revaccination: experts answer the most important questions about the re-vaccination against COVID-19
On April 8, Belarus began to massively vaccinate against COVID-19. And if at first doctors recommended repeating the vaccination in a year, now they are increasingly advised to do this after six months. Together with experts, we understand the intricacies of revaccination and find out whether it makes sense to find out the antibody titer before vaccination, remember the drug that has already been injected into you, and the date when this happened.
Why is revaccination necessary?
Revaccination against COVID-19 is called booster (from the English word booster – to increase, strengthen).
“Such vaccinations are needed to form a higher level of protection,” explains Inna Fedorova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Epidemiology of the Belarusian State Medical University. – Booster vaccination works on the principle of a secondary immune response. It increases the synthesis of antibodies in the body. Additional immunological protective factors are formed, a stronger immunological memory is formed. Booster vaccination also provides an opportunity to develop protection for people who, for certain reasons, did not respond to the first dose. This is a repeated attempt to develop protection.
To whom is it recommended?
The Ministry of Health advises people aged 18 years and older to get a booster vaccination, including those who have a weakened immune system, who are taking immunosuppressive therapy, are on hemodialysis, doctors, especially those working in the red zone, social workers, and those who have recovered from COVID-19.
How long does it take to revaccinate?
The Ministry of Health recommends a booster vaccination six or more months after the main course of vaccination. Taking into account, of course, the patient's state of health, the presence or absence of chronic diseases.
Repeated (seasonal) vaccination with Sputnik V or Sputnik Light, Sinopharm or other immunobiological drugs is recommended for people 18 years and older 12 months after the booster dose and after the main (primary) vaccination for those who did not start the booster.
Should I check my antibody levels?
The Ministry of Health, like WHO, recommends vaccinating without taking into account this parameter. Experts believe that adding antibodies to the existing ones will strengthen the immune system and do no harm.
– There is no reliable antibody titer that will protect you for sure. Immune protection against COVID-19 is not based on antibodies, but on a cellular immune response, explains Igor Stoma, MD.- No meaning to determine the bodies before and after vaccination. Unless because of your personal curiosity.
Which drug to choose?
Some experts believe that various vaccine platforms stimulate the immune response differently, so it makes sense to alternate them. But others note: this opinion is not confirmed by scientific facts.
– T-cell immunity is stimulated in both cases. Therefore, you can re -vaccinate as the same vaccine, which was introduced for the first time and the other, ”the head physician of the 1st city clinical hospital of Minsk, chairman of the Belarusian Association of doctors Dmitry Shevtsov consistent.
Most often, the one-component drug Sputnik Light is used for revaccination, the effectiveness of which is considered very high, including against Delta-stamp. Scientists assure that this drug protects against it even better than many double dose vaccines: more than 80%.
Where can you prick?
In Belarus, revaccination is carried out only in healthcare institutions. In Minsk, for example, you can go in clinics both at the place of residence and in others. Previously, you should call the reference service to clarify the nuances.
The revaccination process is the same as in the first vaccinations. The only difference is the formation of a group of five people. The drug Satellite Light is packaged in packages, each of which is designed for five doses. They must be introduced almost immediately. If the group has not been formed, patients who want to take a second course will be recorded in the clinic. As soon as those who wish are gained a sufficient number, they will be immediately called and invited to the procedure at a certain time. This approach helps to avoid queues in the clinic. The patient fills the questionnaire before the procedure and undergo an examination by the doctor. Do not be surprised if you are not asked what vaccine you are vaccinated for the first time – it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that after the first vaccination it takes at least six months. The certificate of revaccination on a paid basis is issued in the clinic where they were vaccinated.
Satellite Light?
This drug is the first component of the satellite V vaccine. This is a vector drug based on human adenovirus, which is used to transport the genetic information of the SARS-COV-2 coronavirus. The vaccine is indicated for use in adults from 18 to 60 years. Its effectiveness is 70% against the disease of the SARS-COV-2 delta-stamp within three months after vaccination. If the Light satellite is used as a booster dose for other vaccines, the effectiveness of the drug is more than 83% against Delta-stamp.
The first dose of the vaccine against the Covid-19 received 35% of the inhabitants of Belarus. To form collective immunity, it is necessary that this indicator is 70-80%.
