Even though someone receives the COVID vaccine and their body is building immunity, they may not be entirely immune yet and can act unknowingly as carriers of the disease. This scenario can happen even if they have no relevant or apparent symptoms (known as being asymptomatic) and can be very dangerous. The time period after just having received the vaccine is when this is most likely to occur.
To explain further, let’s say you’ve come into recent contact with someone who has the COVID-19 virus and that they were only vaccinated two days prior. They may feel healthy and might not even know they have the virus because of antibodies built up by the immune system’s response to the vaccination. Meaning this seemingly healthy person can easily still transmit the virus before their robust immune system can fully eradicate the virus.
In short, yes, you can still transmit the COVID after receiving the vaccine. Therefore, it is recommended to act with precaution, just as you did before you were vaccinated. Take all recommended and enforced precautions, including social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and self-isolating when feeling sick.
Unvaccinated people are the most susceptible to catching COVID. It’s important to remember that many immunocompromised people, such as those on chemotherapy, cannot receive vaccinations. They rely on their families, neighbors, and community members to vaccinate and reduce transmission likelihood.
The Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines are Breaking New Ground Against COVID
Historically, with other vaccines, the likelihood of a vaccinated person transmitting a virus is clinically shown to be significantly reduced. This effect compounds when most of the population gets vaccinated against a virus. The more vaccinated people, the harder it makes for the virus to survive and spread, creating herd immunity, which drastically reduces the risk of transmission to the young and immunocompromised.
However, research is not yet clear whether or not the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines reduce viral transmission. Even if they do, it does not remove all risk of transmission. Using regular social distancing practices and wearing a mask is still vital to recovery from the epidemic. More research is being done to determine how well the COVID vaccine will reduce transmission. With vaccinations ramping up and high success rates, we may be turning the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are not there yet.
COVID-19 Resources on Our Website
Check out our blog for more informative articles, including:
- “Risk of an Allergic Reaction To the COVID-19 Vaccine”
- “A Primer on MRNA COVID-19 Vaccines”
- “Asthma and COVID-19 – What You Need to Know”
- “How COVID-19 Symptoms Can Mimic Asthma & Allergies”
Asthma and Allergy Specialists in Boise, Idaho
For years, Idaho residents have turned to us for help with their allergies and asthma. Since the emergence of COVID-19, we have worked tirelessly to provide a five-star telehealth experience for our patients with allergies and asthma. We invite you to contact us today at The Allergy Group to schedule a telemedicine appointment. You can submit a contact form or call us at (208) 377-4000.