As vaccine shortages stall immunization programs throughout Europe, some experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have said a person could postpone taking the second dose of the vaccine if they fall ill with COVID-19 after the first injection. 

"If you have had your first dose and then you develop COVID-19 ... you would have enough immunity produced in enough quantity for you not to need anything else," Alejandro Cravioto, the chair of WHO's strategic advisory group of experts, said during a recent question-and-answer session.

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Some countries have already extended the time between the two doses of vaccinations – such as the UK, which extended the time between jabs from three weeks to 12. 

Kate O'Brien, the WHO's director of immunization vaccines and biologicals, added that while postponing the second dose for those who become ill with COVID-19 after the first dose was not an official recommendation, people could choose to help others by deciding to defer their second vaccination for up to six months. 

"Immunity does seem to be durable for at least six months. So … an individual out of their own goodwill could decide to wait to get their vaccination if they're in a group for whom vaccine is recommended already and vaccine is in short supply."

But Cravioto added that "there's no reason for you not to get a second dose, even if you have been infected and you have had the first dose."

Video editor: Sam Cordell