LAFAYETTE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Health is saying there’s a delay in getting vaccines into the state. The vaccines usually enter the state on Monday or Tuesday, but as of Thursday, none have entered the state for the week.
This could impact people depending on which vaccine they received; there are different timelines for each vaccine.
LDH says that if you have received the Moderna vaccine, ideally your second shot should be given 28 days after your first one.
If you get the Pfizer vaccine, the second dose should be given 21 days after the first.
Although this delay may be alarming, those waiting for the second dose of the COVID vaccine can still wait a few more weeks.
“What we have learned from the CDC is that the second dose for the vaccine can be delayed for up to six weeks or 42 days with no change in the effectiveness of the vaccine,” said Dr. Tina Stefanski from LDH. "So the vaccine should still work fine.”
She says there’s a grace period of up to four days to get the second dose early, but it is best to stick to the 21 and 28 days.
In the regions that make up Acadiana an average of 93 residents per thousand have at least received the first dosage.
In Lafayette, Ochsner and Our Lady of Lourdes hospitals report no delays. They had cancellations on Monday due to the weather, but have since been able to reschedule all of the patients getting second doses.
LDH says if you’re getting your first vaccine soon, you'll receive your appointment for the second one on the spot. Meanwhile, if you’re now waiting for your second dose and your appointment was canceled, call your vaccination site and re-schedule, letting them know when you had your first dose.
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