Public stress is rising over a shortage of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

If you were lucky enough to get through all this noise, confirming you are eligible, went through dozen of websites scheduling the appointment for the vaccine, do not get too comfy. 

People in NY keep receiving vaccine appointments cancellations. Lack of information triggers anxiety in the most vulnerable population.

During the press briefing, NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio warned New Yorkers that the city might be out of the vaccine supply in a several days.

COVID-19 vaccine is administered in two doses a few weeks apart. 

• Pfizer-BioNTech doses recommended to be given 3 weeks (21 days) apart
• Moderna doses should be given 1 month (28 days) apart

One dose of vaccine cannot guaranty the immunity against COVID-19 infection. It is important to get the second dose in a timely manner. 

Vaccine supply shortage  raised even more questions for those who already received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, such as:

How to get an appointment for the second dose? 

What happens if you misses the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine? 

For how long time it is still OK to show up for the second dose of vaccine if you missed your second appointment?

If one dose of COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting coronavirus?

Getting an appointment for the 1st and 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

In NY appointments are being set directly with the provider who conducts vaccination. Therefore, all appointments for the 1st and 2nd doses of COVID-19 vaccine must be scheduled directly with the clinic that administers the vaccine. 

If your question is: "how to find a vaccine near me", go to NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder website at https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov  that helps you to find a COVID-19 vaccine in your area.

What to do if you missed the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine?  

As per CDC, the minimum timeframe between doses is strictly defined as 21 days for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna. It means that if you got the 1st dose of vaccine you must wait a minimal recommended timeframe before you can get the second dose.

However, there is no maximal wait period recommended between 1st and 2nd COVID-19 vaccine doses administration.

More information can be found at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html#accordion-60075070e9544-card-5

If you missed the second dose, for how long time it is still OK to get vaccinated? 

In case you did not return for the second dose of the vaccine as scheduled in 21 days for Phizer or 28 days for Moderna, it is still ok to get the second dose, but you want to make sure you do it as fast as you can. 

The more precisely you follow the recommendations the better the outcome. 

If a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting coronavirus?

As per latest studies, the single dose of both vaccines approved in US (Phizer and Moderna) showed evidence of providing some protection from COVID-19 infection. 

However, since the research is still in the process, there is no final determination of the single dose efficiency. 

Can I stop wearing facemask in public after I get vaccinated? 

Vaccine is not a miracle pill that acts immediately. Mechanism of vaccination allows your body to build own protection against the virus. It takes time to build an immunity against COVID. 

Even if you got vaccinated, it is strongly recommended not to change any safety routine you were following prior to the vaccine. As per CDC guidance it is still vital to wear a face mask in public, keep social distance, follow proper hand washing. 

More information on vaccination and COVID -19 can be found at: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)

NYC COVID-19 Vaccine Finder