As the rampaging pandemic blew out the candles to yet another stifling, strange, and unfortunately predictable year, the world is made to grapple with over 80 million affected and 2 million lost. However, this year has been marked by rolled out the long-awaited jabs of hope, the ‘COVID vaccine.’
However, a lingering question in our minds is, ‘Does getting a COVID-vaccine jab is a passport to go back in times of pre-COVID privileges?
Vaccines in general and COVID vaccines:
According to World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines save at least 2.5 million lives each year and are the most cost-effective life-saving medical intervention. However, in general, one must bear in mind, there are considerable differences between individuals concerning the immune response to vaccination. Regardless of the type of vaccine, many factors influence how individuals respond to vaccines. To name a few, we have age, any underlying medical conditions, any preexisting infections, use of antibiotics, exercise, sleep, smoking, body mass index, nutritional factors (Vitamin A, D, E, zinc), etc. Hence, it is not incomprehensible that substantial variation between individuals will influence the individual immune response to COVID-disease and vaccination.
Can COVID vaccines offer protection from getting infected?
COVID- vaccines can prevent symptoms without preventing COVID-infection. We can take an example of a few routinely administered vaccines such as Measle-Mumps, Rubella (MMR), or Hepatitis. These do not prevent the viruses from entering the body or from replicating and producing sometimes mild to moderate symptoms. These vaccines jab only prevents the vaccinee from getting severely sick, indicating that people who have been vaccinated can still get infected—however, much less likely to develop moderate or severe COVID-symptoms.
Can a vaccinee still possibly infect others?
Even if one is vaccinated, it is possible that one could catch Covid-19 while dining out and spreading it to the family members or someone they encounter.
Vaccinated folks with COVID-infection can easily infect their older parents or grandparents, even if they are vaccinated. The reason is self-explanatory as most elderly have compromised immune systems.
Is getting a COVID-vaccine jab a passport to go back to the times of pre-COVID privileges?
A vaccine is just an additional layer of protection. With Coronavirus growing to be further contagious in many parts of the world, it is not baseless to double the protection. One needs to understand and calmly justify to family and friends why it is necessary to take extra precautions before we embark on the pre-COVID era.
Protect yourself and those around you through preventive measures advised by local health authorities. Adherence to simple advised precautions, such as facemask, avoid crowd, handwashing, and maintaining social distancing as a routine. This is all in the name of lessening the risk exposure.
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