Vaccine FAQs

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Q. Why do I need to continue to wear a mask after receiving that COVID-19 vaccine?

A. It is important to continue to wear a mask and continue all other COVID protections because at this stage we don’t know if the vaccine will prevent transmission of the virus. That is, if you get exposed to COVID-19 after being vaccinated, you may still be able to be infected, though probably asymptomatically and for a short period, thus, you may still be able to transmit it to others. You also could have been infected before you were vaccinated, which would make it possible to transmit the virus to others.

 

Also, CDC states, that experts need to learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. “There is not enough information currently available to say if or when CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.”

 

Q. I was diagnosed with COVID. Can – and should – I still be vaccinated?

A. With no studies having indicated that a person who has had COVID should not be vaccinated, and no definitive knowledge of if, or how long, immunity may be conferred by having had the virus, the recommendation is that those who had the virus should be vaccinated. According to the December 13 CDC MMWR (Pfizer) and  December 20 CDC MMWR (Moderna): “No specific safety concerns were identified in subgroup analyses by age, race, ethnicity, underlying medical conditions, or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Additionally, a detailed summary of safety data, including information on reactogenicity, also is available at CDC.

 

Q. When will we begin to see results of the vaccination having an impact on our ability to return to a “normal” mask-less, non-distancing lifestyle?

A.  At this stage we just don’t know but would expect that it will be at least another 6-9 months based on what we do know about COVID-19 and viruses in general. It will depend on a number of factors, including the efficacy of the vaccine given in the greater numbers; how much immunity the vaccine provides and how long it lasts; and how quickly we’ll be able to get to a level of vaccination and immunity that significantly reduces the rate of spread –about 70-80%.