Photo from the CDC

The second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available to those who received the first dose in Marion County. Public Health Director Kim Dorn says this second shot is vital for full immunity to the virus.

“The booster dose is really important to receive because people aren’t fully immunized until two weeks after they get their second dose. It’s important to follow through and get that second dose. But even with full immunization, public health recommendations remain to social distance, wash hands, wear a mask when it’s not possible to social distance, and stay home when you’re sick. Those guidelines are probably here to stay for a while, even with immunization.”

Dorn says the department has reached out to those who have received doses to have them schedule an appointment for the second vaccination. She says it is still unknown when the general public may be able to receive vaccines. Booster doses are expected to begin next week.