KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There is a great deal of excitement about the new coronavirus vaccines, but don't throw away your masks just yet.
While the first doses will be going to front line health care workers, most people will probably have to wait months for shots to become widely available.
In addition, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines also require two doses. As a result, people will need a second shot after three and four weeks, respectively, to get the full protection.
To get herd immunity, as many as 70% of us will need to get vaccinated, which could happen as early as May if all goes well.
As for protection, the first shot of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine might bring about a degree of protection within a couple of weeks, but full protection could take up to two weeks after the second shot, or about six weeks after the first shot.
