Covid-19: Staying Safe Before and Yes, After the Vaccine
“After I get my vaccine, I’m going to…”
We all have dreams of getting back to “normal” post-pandemic, but health officials are adamant that it’s just as important to take safety precautions after you’ve been vaccinated as it is beforehand.
“Our understanding right now is that the Covid-19 vaccine prevents someone from getting ill, and the vaccine also guards against severe illness that results in hospitalization and deaths. That's really important. But we don't know whether the vaccine prevents someone from being a carrier of coronavirus who could infect others. Also, the vaccine appears to be 95% effective, which is amazing, but it's not 100%. That's why people still have to use caution even after they are vaccinated,” according to CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
We’ve put together answers to some commonly asked questions to help you stay safe even after you’ve been vaccinated.
Stay safe even after you’ve received the Covid-19 vaccine
Is there any reason, I should not get the Covid-19 vaccine if I’m 65 years or older?
Before you schedule your shot, you should talk to your healthcare provider. There are several factors to be aware of that may preclude you from getting a vaccine.
If you’ve ever had a severe reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy such as intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous.
If you have received another type of vaccine within 14 days prior to having your Covid-19 shot.
If you are currently acutely ill from the Covid-19 infection.
If in the past 90 days, you have received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma as part of Covid-19 treatment.
f you have ever had a severe reaction to a component in the Covid-19 vaccine. Visit the CDC website to learn more about the Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTec vaccine.
Is the Covid-19 vaccine going to protect me from the virus?
Yes, it’s highly likely according to the CDC. The results of clinical trials have shown both vaccines (from Pfizer and Moderna) to be 95% effective against the Covid-19 virus. In the unlikely event that someone contracts Covid-19 after getting vaccinated, the severity of symptoms has been proven to be significantly reduced.
Does the vaccine protect me from Covid-19 immediately?
No. It usually takes about two weeks after the second shot before immunity is achieved. Both vaccinations currently available in the U.S. require two shots, but the time between the first and second shot is different depending on which vaccine you receive.
Pfizer vaccine – The second shot should be administered 3 weeks or 21 days after the first shot.
Moderna vaccine – The second shot should be administered one month or 28 days later.
Is it possible to get the virus from the Covid-19 vaccine?
No, there is no live-virus in the shot, so it’s not possible to contract Covid-19 from the vaccination.
Will I feel like I have Covid-19 when I get my shot?
It’s unlikely, however, some individuals have experienced flu-like symptoms which should pass within two to three days.
What precautions should I take after I get my Covid-19 vaccine?
To be safe, the CDC recommends that you continue practicing those safeguards that we’ve all (hopefully) memorized by now:
1. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you come into contact with anyone outside of your household.
AND
2. Stay at least 6 feet apart from others, even when you’re wearing a mask.
AND
3. Wash your hands obsessively – every time you go out for anything or have someone in your home, or something brought into your home – be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Avoid crowds.
5. Avoid poorly ventilated areas.
Will my home health aide be vaccinated?
Yes, home health aides are among those groups that are being given priority to receive their vaccinations. Because of the high demand, it’s possible they may have to wait for an appointment. You should ask your home health aide about their plans.
What if I have a question about the Covid-19 vaccine that’s not listed here?
You should talk to your healthcare provider or someone in your provider’s office who can address your concerns.
Helpful links and resources
