“Grandma already got the vaccine… So why does she still have to wear the mask?” asked a child to their mother. “She’s only got one dose of the vaccine” the mother answered, “and we must wait for the second dose and some extra time after that, so that her immune system can be prepared.” Still, the inquisitive child continued: “But what about after that?” This is a question that has crossed people’s minds repeatedly. Many people dream that, if vaccines work, life would go back to “normal”, without masks, quarantines, and social distancing. However, reality is a bit different.
Vaccination helps prevent a serious COVID-19 illness. While the vaccine has provided Grandma with much needed protection, researchers need to continue evaluating how vaccines could stop the spread and transmission of COVID-19. Thus, even after the second dose, Grandma would have to continue wearing the mask to protect the rest of the community, until health authorities say otherwise. The CDC has detailed the occasions in which Grandma could take off the mask (e.g., when she is around vaccinated people in closed spaces) [1].
The vaccine is teaching Grandma’s immune system how to fight a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Then, if Grandma is exposed to the virus* causing COVID-19, she is not likely to get seriously ill. While some people believe that the vaccine creates an invincible bubble around Grandma to protect her from infection, that is not accurate and reality is a bit more complicated. Thanks to the vaccine, Grandma could be fighting the virus very effectively without getting seriously ill. Still, it is possible that during that brief period of time when she is fighting the virus, Grandma could spread the virus to others.
Since children are still not vaccinated, people like Grandma (who get vaccines and wear masks) are their main protection against COVID-19. Moreover, although vaccines are very useful, they are not perfect, and we would not want to risk Grandma on a 3% chance of getting sick[2], even only with mild symptoms. This is especially valid considering the new variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus. That is why it is better to continue following health recommendations after vaccination: Wearing a mask, covering both your nose and mouth, maintaining social distancing, and washing your hands repeatedly. With more time and research, scientists will know much more details about the possibility of preventing transmission through vaccines and the length of the immunity after getting the vaccine. Click here for more resources.
*Virus - it can be considered a very small and basic life form or an aggregate of molecules that is simpler than a cell. They can be found in the environment or inside living organisms. It has to infect a cell and use its machinery to multiply, since it cannot multiply by itself. Viruses consist of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), a protein capsid that contains the nucleic acids and, sometimes, an external envelope of lipids. The flu, measles, AIDS and Covid-19, for instance, are caused by viruses.
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Written by: Nicole
Edited by: Adrian and Natasha
BioDecoded is a volunteer group committed to sharing accurate scientific information. We cannot offer any specific health advice. If you have any doubts about getting vaccinated due to previous health conditions, please speak with your healthcare professional or family physician. Your doctor can revise your medical history and advise you on the best path to follow. If you have any questions about this topic, please comment or send them to our email.
References:
Stay up to date with the vaccines (2021). CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html (Accessed 3 April 2021).
**97% effectiveness of Pfizer vaccine to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 infection two weeks after second dose, as reported in the press release. Available at: https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/real-world-evidence-confirms-high-effectiveness-pfizer] (Accessed 3 April 2021).
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