Is it effective to receive a booster shot after more than one year?
A booster shot generally refers to the COVID-19 vaccine booster. If it has been over a year since the last dose, receiving a booster is usually still effective, although its effectiveness might be somewhat reduced.
The COVID-19 vaccine booster is typically administered about six months after the first dose. Around seven days after vaccination, the body begins to produce antibodies, and antibody levels peak approximately two weeks after vaccination, providing protective immunity. However, about six months after vaccination, antibody levels in the body gradually decline, leading to reduced protection. Therefore, it's important to receive a booster shot in a timely manner to boost antibody levels again. The inactivated virus in the vaccine, rendered non-infectious through chemical methods, helps prevent infection. Nevertheless, the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, so daily preventive measures should still be maintained, such as wearing masks in crowded places.
In addition, receiving a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can increase the concentration of antibodies in the body and broaden the antibody spectrum.