I can’t express this strongly enough: even if later than planned, please be sure to get your second dose. Do not skip it because you are worried about side effects. They are manageable and COVID is far worse. That’s like a knight going into battle with only a sword but no shield.

1st dose: induces CD4+ "helper" T-cells- they do not neutralize infections but rather trigger the body's response to infections (macrophages, B-cells)
2nd dose: induces CD8+ “killer” T-cells- they are cytotoxic- this means that they are able to directly kill virus-infected cells

*Important note- CD8+ T-cells build up between your first and second dose. It will reinforce the protection your immune system started building after your first dose, hence partial protection full protection.