Vaccination timeline
Peak Immunity Planner
Understanding when vaccine protection peaks helps plan exposures, travel, and booster timing. Enter your vaccination date and schedule to see key milestones.
Pfizer-BioNTech (21 days apart) or Moderna (28 days apart).
Use the date of the first dose in the series (or booster date for single-dose schedule).
Select a vaccination date to display the timeline.
How to Use This Calculator
Select the appropriate schedule
Choose between mRNA primary series, boosters, vector vaccines, or protein subunit dosing intervals.
Enter your vaccination date
Use the date you received (or plan to receive) the first dose or booster in the series.
Plan activities accordingly
Limit high-risk exposures until peak immunity is reached. Remember immunity wanes over time—follow booster guidance.
Formula
Peak immunity date = Date of final dose + Peak offset (varies by vaccine)
Partial protection generally begins ≈10–14 days after the first dose.
Offsets are based on CDC/WHO guidance: mRNA boosters (≈7 days), mRNA primary doses (≈14 days post second), viral vector (≈28 days), protein subunit (≈14 days after second dose).
Full Description
Vaccine-induced immunity strengthens over days to weeks as the immune system produces antibodies and memory cells. Different vaccine platforms have distinct schedules. mRNA vaccines achieve peak protection about two weeks after the second primary dose, while boosters peak faster (~7 days). Viral vector vaccines reach maximum protection roughly 4 weeks after the single dose.
Immunity wanes over time and is influenced by variant immune escape. Stay current with public health recommendations for boosters and continue using layered protections, especially during high community transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does immunity start immediately after vaccination?
No. It takes several days for the immune system to respond. Partial protection appears around day 10, but peak levels arrive later.
How long does immunity last?
Protection wanes over months. Booster schedules restore protection—follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
What if I miss the recommended interval between doses?
Get the second dose as soon as possible. It isn’t necessary to restart the series, but consult official guidelines.
Do symptoms after vaccination indicate immunity?
Side effects show immune activation but are not required for protection. Even without side effects, immunity develops on schedule.