The hope of turning the tide of the coronavirus pandemic has finally come.
People around the world are rolling up their sleeves to receive the first doses of the newly approved COVID-19 vaccines. Medicines arrive at a terrible time, with the epidemic raging across the municipality, state and country, causing a record number of deaths.
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about vaccines.
If you were previously diagnosed with COVID-19, do you still need the vaccine?
Yes. Health officials recommend that you buy. It is unclear how long the naturally acquired immunity with COVID-19 lasts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health experts believe that vaccines will offer more lasting protection.
Could you spread COVID-19 asymptomatically if you are vaccinated?
Researchers still don’t know. If a COVID-19 vaccine only prevents disease, it can still allow those who receive it to become infected and spread the virus involuntarily, according to a UCLA Health article.
In other words, even if you have had the vaccine, you may be able to carry and transmit the virus without suffering or showing any signs of illness.
Can we get rid of our masks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
No. Health experts recommend that you continue to wear a mask and practice social detachment, whether or not you have had the vaccine to prevent possible asymptomatic transmission of the disease.
Researchers are still unsure whether the vaccine prevents infection and disease and recommend following local and federal health guidelines designed to stem the spread of COVID-19.
How long does it take for vaccine immunity to take effect?
It usually takes a few weeks to build full immunity after the first vaccination, according to the CDC.
Can you get COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine?
Yes. During the first few weeks after receiving the vaccine, while your immunity is still growing, you remain at risk of contracting the disease if you come into contact with the virus in nature, says the CDC.
What are the effects of vaccines between the first and the second dose?
The first injection helps your body recognize the virus, and the second injection helps to strengthen your ability to fight an infection, according to GoodRx.
People need to receive a booster injection of the Pfizer vaccine three weeks after the first dose. The Modern vaccine requires a booster injection four weeks after the first dose.
Where can I get the vaccine?
The vaccine is available to those who are eligible at county health centers and clinics. A vaccination clinic has already been set up at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
Under the county’s vaccine distribution plan, more than 20 healthcare providers in its jurisdiction will provide vaccines, including Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente.
Will my age affect when I can get the vaccine?
Yes. If a health facility does not have enough doses to vaccinate all workers at risk, California health officials recommend prioritizing the elderly, starting with those over 65 and then going to those aged 55 to 64, before vaccinating those under 55.
Meanwhile, due to the way health officials are prioritizing doses, children are unlikely to receive vaccines during the first phase of distribution, county officials said in early December.
How much does it cost to receive the vaccine?
Vaccines are free, but are only available to those who are eligible.
When can I expect to be eligible to receive the vaccine?
The general public may have access to the vaccine in the spring or summer of 2021. As of December 29, vaccines are only available to healthcare professionals in acute care units and COVID-19 units.
Have a question about the COVID-19 vaccines? The e-mail [email protected] and we will get the answer.
Contact Mauricio La Plante at [email protected] or follow @mslaplantenews on Twitter.