Is It Safe To Get The Same Vaccine Twice?

By Shubhi Kumar
21 Jun 2025, 19:00 IST

Receiving the same vaccine twice, either accidentally or intentionally, can raise questions. In most cases, it’s not harmful and may even be helpful, depending on the situation. Tap to read!

Boosting immunity

Multiple vaccine doses help strengthen immunity. A second dose boosts protection and builds longer-lasting immune memory effectively.

Addressing Waning Immunity

Some vaccines, like COVID or tetanus, need second doses as immunity fades over time to restore protection.

Overcoming Partial Responses

For some individuals with compromised immune systems, immunity rarely forms sufficiently in response to a single dose. Therefore, a second dose is recommended.

Local Reactions

After second-dose administration, albeit in general, local reactions will be more acute with arm pain, redness, or swelling, whereas these reactions are mild and short-lived.

Systemic Side Effects

The repeat doses may reproducibly or slightly increase general side effects (nonserious adverse reactions), that is, fatigue, fever, or headache.

Information credits

This information is sourced from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding vaccines or health concerns.