LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas doctor says not to panic if your appointment for the second dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is rescheduled.
The impact from winter storms across the United States is impacting vaccine distribution in Nevada.
“Our team is continuing to monitor this closely, and we are working with health districts and pharmacies that may be impacted,” says Candice McDaniel, Nevada Department of Health & Human Services.
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While the delay can be stressful, Dr. Michael Gardner from UNLV’s School of Medicine says there is some leeway on how soon you need the second dose to be protected from the virus.
“We know that you start developing antibodies within 7-10 days of the first dose,” says Dr. Gardner. “If you’re one of the lucky people who have had the first dose, you’re already substantially protected.”
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28 days is the recommended time between both Moderna doses.
The CDC says that the second dose can be administered up to six weeks after the first dose in the event of delays.
There are multiple COVID-19 vaccine sites across Southern Nevada, including UNLV, where second doses are being prioritized.
“We’re not doing first vaccines for a little bit to make sure we have enough for our second doses,” says Dr. Gardner.
UMC says those second-dose appointments that had to be canceled are being rescheduled.
As for other vaccine sites administering the second dose, Roseman University says they have ample supply and have already set aside doses.
