The COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of getting this infection. Also, it helps to develop severe illnesses from COVID-19 if we become infected. But it is possible to have COVID-19 breakthrough infections even after the complete vaccination course. Vaccination is thus a way to control the pandemic and preserve human life.
"Can I be vaccinated and still have COVID-19 breakthrough infections?"
COVID-19 vaccines are effective. However, none of the currently available vaccines protects 100% from the disease. However, there is a lower risk of getting the COVID-19 breakthrough infections. And of having a severe illness (requiring hospitalization). A small percentage of people vaccinated may still develop COVID-19 and even die. But the probability is much lower compared to unvaccinated people with similar risk factors.
Studies show that taking the vaccine prevented most people from having COVID-19. The vaccine protects us from becoming ill with COVID-19. But not from being carriers of the virus and even from developing symptoms.
Elderly people with diseases of the immune system, chronic or pre-existing health problems may not have an "ideal response" to vaccines not reaching the most significant degree of protection. That they provide, being able to reinfect itself despite being vaccinated.
Do you know that...
People with an incomplete vaccine schedule have not yet achieved the possible degree of protection.
We can consider ourselves with more excellent protection from COVID-19. One to two weeks after completing the vaccination schedule. Which can be one or two doses, depending on the type of vaccine. This is the length of time it takes our immune system to ensure a good response to the infection.
"Is it possible to have COVID-19 through the vaccine?"
COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the virus. That causes the infection - SARS-CoV-2 - and thus, it is impossible to get the disease through vaccination. It can, but, happen that the person is infected before or immediately after administering the vaccine. It starts having symptoms a few days after taking it. The most common are:
fever
cough
difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath
and loss or changes in taste and smell.
Do not forget:
If your manifest symptoms are associated with COVID-19, stay at home and call the helpline.
"Can vaccinated people send the SARS-CoV-2 virus?"
What is currently known is that the vaccine protects us above all from a severe illness. It remains to be determined whether vaccinated people can develop asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. That is, whether they can carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus and pass it on to others. It is hypothesized that transmission may occur. But is less likely, because vaccinated people have a lower viral load and thus are less contagious.
But further studies are needed. Hence the importance of maintaining measures to prevent the transmission of the virus even after taking the vaccine. Masks and distancing prevent us from infecting others if we are carrying the virus.
Duration of immunity
It has not yet been possible to determine the exact duration of immunity. Currently available COVID-19 vaccines confer that. Studies are being carried out to provide a more concrete answer to this question. New measures may be adopted, such as the need to administer or not a booster dose of the vaccine.
Care to be taken after the COVID-19 vaccine
After complete vaccination against COVID-19 (which can be achieved by taking a dose or two depending on the type of vaccine), it is important not to abandon the prevention measures. So recommended throughout the pandemic:
Use of mask
Compliance with the safety distance (at least two meters)
Adoption of respiratory etiquette measures. Such as covering the nose and mouth with a disposable handkerchief or with the bend of the elbow whenever you sneeze or cough, Frequent hand hygiene, washing them with water and soap or disinfecting them with an alcohol-based solution
Myths and truths about the COVID-19 vaccine
After I get vaccinated, will I be immune? Is the person resistant to the disease after the vaccine?
Not. The vaccine reduces the risk of developing a severe form of the disease. Some studies show a reduction in hospitalizations. This includes in the ICU and deaths in vaccinated populations. Protection only comes from 15 to 30 days after the second dose, depending on the vaccine received. But even with immunization, it is still possible to contract or send the virus.
Can I dispense with the mask and distancing after the vaccine?
Not! The pandemic is not over yet, and we need to continue with care! No vaccine is 100% effective against Covid-19. Mask use and social distancing remain necessary. But they prevent serious infections, hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths. Until the majority of the population has received the second dose and contamination rates are reduced.
Is there a better vaccine than the other one?
Yes, the best is the one available! All immunization agents have undergone rigorous clinical studies. That prove their safety and efficacy. Vaccination is available free of charge and fair, being a collective commitment.
If I don't react to the vaccine, does that mean it didn't work?
Not! Each organism reacts in a way to the vaccine, both against Covid-19 and against other diseases. The appearance or absence of symptoms is not related to the immune response.
Is the reaction on the second dose as strong as on the first?
Clinical studies show that reactions in the second dose are less than in the first stage, although each organism reacts. But the most significant danger is not getting vaccinated!
Anyone who has had Covid-19 does not need to be vaccinated?
A person who has had Covid-19 may have the disease again, especially after new variants appear. So, everyone has to get vaccinated, yes!
Does neutralizing antibody test say that the vaccine does not work?
Serologic tests do not say whether a vaccinated individual is protected against Covid-19. These tests only diagnose contamination.
Does anyone who got the flu vaccine to need to be vaccinated against Covid-19?
Yes. They are different viruses, so it is necessary to receive the two immunizers. It remembers that vaccination against Influenza was extended to the general population from 6 months of age.
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