COVID-19 vaccine deadlines for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas

FILE – In this Jan. 21, 2021, file photo, a medical staff member prepares the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Tudor Ranch in Mecca, Calif. COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are coming down again, hospitalizations are dropping, and new cases per day are about to dip below 100,000 for the first time in two months — all signs that the summer surge is waning. Not wanting to lose momentum, government leaders and employers are looking at strengthening and expanding vaccine requirements. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

by: Lanie Lee Cook

Posted: Oct 13, 2021 / 06:49 PM MDT

Updated: Oct 13, 2021 / 06:49 PM MDT

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DENVER (KDVR) — People who want to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Christmas are running out of time.

It requires planning to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for a particular event. Two of the three vaccines available in the U.S. require two doses spread weeks apart and a waiting period once the shots have been administered.

How long does it take to get vaccinated against COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. have different dosage timelines. But regardless of which one you take, a person is not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days beyond their final dose.

Here’s how long it takes from a first COVID-19 vaccine dose to full vaccination:

Moderna: six weeks (two doses 28 days apart)
Pfizer: five weeks (two doses 21 days apart)
Johnson & Johnson: two weeks (requires a single dose)

When do I need to get my first dose to be vaccinated in time for the holidays?

To be considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in time for holidays, you must get the first dose of Moderna or Pfizer or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson by the dates listed below: