WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – Many seniors are still struggling to get an appointment for their first COVID-19 vaccine, while tens of thousands of Florida residents are late for their second dose.
Eduardo Castro is a nurse at Costa do Tesouro. His second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is scheduled for February 3, but he said it is not a sure thing.
“I received my first vaccine on January 6 and that was Moderna,” said Castro. “The answer we have is that we expect them to receive one in time ahead of schedule.”
Castro still has just over two weeks to go, but according to the Florida Department of Health, almost 41,000 people in the State of the Sun are delayed with their second dose of the vaccine.
“We get lots and suddenly they run out and say we will get more in two weeks,” said Dr. Leslie Diaz, an infectious disease specialist in Palm Beach County.
Dr. Diaz said that many people are late because of the short supply of the vaccine, but also because some people fear that the side effects will be worse with the second injection.
“I think we need to focus and prioritize one thing: fear the virus,” said Dr. Diaz.
Dr. Diaz said that the side effects are normal and not serious, and the virus is worse.
She and Castro warn that skipping the second injection means that their vaccine will not be as effective.
“The benefits outweigh the risk here because, yes, you can be sick for a few days, but you don’t know how COVID will affect you,” said Castro.
Dr. Diaz said that side effects can be treated with Tylenol and extra rest, and if you spend 20 to 30 days between vaccinations, she still advises you to take your second dose.