We’ve heard that four Congress people have tested positive for coronavirus after sheltering in place during the siege with Republicans who refused to wear masks – even when asked. One of the people who tested positive, Representative Adriano Espaillat D-NY, received his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine last week. He tweeted that he’s isolating and that he’s not experiencing symptoms, which is consistent with what we’ve heard from studies. People may still test positive for coronavirus after being vaccinated, but they’re asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms. It’s unclear whether people who have received the shots can transmit it to others, making mask-wearing still important. People Magazine has an explainer for how long immunity takes with both of the approved vaccines. It’s about five to six weeks to reach 95% immunity after the first shot, as long as you get the second shot on time. Their expert emphasizes that we still need to wear masks after getting vaccinated.
How much protection does each dose provide?
After one dose of either Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine, a person has around 50 percent immunity to COVID-19, and the second dose brings it up to about 95 percent.Is each dose immediately effective?
Not quite — the body needs time to build up its response.“Your immune system starts to kick in, but to really get to the peak efficacy that we all know as 95 percent, it’s going to take two weeks after your second dose,” Bristow says. That means that people who get the Pfizer vaccine can expect to be at 95 percent immunity five weeks after their first injection, and those with Moderna will reach that point six weeks later.
Can you still get COVID-19 after a first or second dose of a vaccine?
Yes, because “your protection doesn’t happen immediately,” she says. “It’s going to take two doses in time to get to the 95 percent efficacy. And especially after the first dose, it’s not going to happen immediately that you are then protected from symptomatic COVID.”That’s why there are reports of people contracting COVID-19, even after getting their first dose of a vaccine.
“It’s been frustrating seeing those stories from a science communication standpoint, because those are happening within the first week of someone getting their first dose,” Bristow says.
Can I stop wearing a mask and see friends and family again after I’m fully vaccinated?
Unfortunately, not yet.“We need to keep wearing masks to protect the people around us,” Bristow says. “There’s still a question of if the vaccine stops transmission of COVID, or just stops people from getting symptomatic COVID. That’s something that is being looked at right now, so we want to operate under the assumption, just out of pure safety, that vaccinated people could still get asymptomatic COVID and spread it to others.”
Honestly I’m reporting on this because I want to focus on the fact that vaccines are coming and relief is in sight. My mom got vaccinated this week (she had to wait five hours in her car in Florida) and some of my friends who are frontline workers have been vaccinated. Biden’s speech last night gave me so much hope that they’re fast tracking the rollout. I keep telling myself that I’ll be able to get vaccinated in about two months and that I just need to hang in there. I know it will be another few weeks to achieve immunity, but I’m ok with that.
Every time I go out, without fail, I see people without masks indoors. It’s stressful and anxiety-inducing and I am considering having my groceries delivered until I’m vaccinated. The new mutation is so much more contagious and this is only going to get worse before it gets better. There’s hope though, and it will be a relief to go out in a fabric mask instead of double masking with a KN95 mask and a visor. This constant anxiety may stop, but I’m still going to mask up and wash my hands constantly. I’m also excited to see my friends and family again. I’m not one of those people who has a large “bubble.” I haven’t seen anyone in person except my son in months.
I had my first shot of the pfizer vaccine this week (NHS worker) and my understanding is that the vaccine cannot prevent you getting COVID but it stops the worst of the symptoms. You can still carry the virus and pass it others (more research needs to be done on transmission of the virus post vaccination) so mask wearing will be so important until the majority of the population have received the vaccination and infection rates start to drop. Personally I think I’ll be wearing a mask for a very long time to come.
Immunity starts about two weeks following the administration of the vaccine but one shot gives you about 50% and after the second shot up to 95%
Janey this is also what I understood. The vaccine essentially helps you build immunity to the worst effects of the virus by building antibodies.
My concern is that those who’ve had their shots will become less careful as they will feel they’re protected. I also agree that we’ll be wearing masks into early next year until true ‘herd immunity’ has been acquired.
My mom got her first shot yesterday and then immediately asked me if my son could come have a sleepover at her house since she was vaccinated now. 🤦🏻♀️
My son isn’t vaccinated. His father and I are not vaccinated yet. My dad, who lives with my mom, is not vaccinated yet. And she literally had just gotten her first shot a couple of hours ago.
Yup. We were told by the doctors on our covid vaccine committee we can still get it but it won’t be as bad, a-la the flu vaccine. More disheartening, they said it only provides immunity for 3-8 months…so that’s disappointing. We’ll probably have to get two per year at my job if that research checks out.
Thanks, Celebitchy. I appreciate your spelling out exactly how long it takes for the vaccine to be effective.
This has just popped up 15 minutes after I’ve found out that my elderly grandmother has had a positive COVID test 4 weeks after her first vaccine. We’re keeping our fingers crossed.
I got Moderna last week. Arm soreness and sinus drainage, but overall I’ve been fine. Wasn’t sure when immunity kicked in, so I’m still wearing 2 masks when seeing patients. I may drop down to just 1 after my second shot, but tbh I doubt it. Still worried about infecting my parents. Hoping to get them vaccinated next week.
My husband and I are both vaccinated, and we still wear our masks and aren’t seeing other people yet. He is only a few days from the Max immunity time point, and I still need my second vaccine. Knowing that we can still pick up and potentially transmit the virus to our baby (and others) keeps us masked and away from others.
I’m looking forward to the data about if the vaccine protects from getting the virus altogether or if it mainly protects against serious symptoms.
Regardless, i cannot wait to get my vaccination!! I have dialed way back on any contact with people since Christmas. Anything not absolutely necessary. I can see the end of the pandemic in sight but I sure am ready for normal socialization again.
I’m so glad you posted this!!
I work in healthcare so I receive my first dose last week. I know people that have received their second. I got the Pfizer. 12 days after I got it I am 32% immune. If I only get one dose I am 52% immune 35 days after the first dose. I am getting my second dose and that means that I will be fully immune seven days after I get my dose. The Maderna is around 10 days, after the second dose.
Also I’ve asked lots of people who I know who got it. Most people say the same thing, fatigue for anywhere from a few hours to about 36 hours . Almost everyone has said a little soreness at the site of injection. I’ve also heard people say their arm felt warm. I only know a few people who receive the second dose and they feel fine.
This is the good news no one has died from receiving the vaccine. You are also 100% covered from the very severe Covid with getting the vaccine. Please be vaccinated!!
For my job I’ve had to learn about immunization and vaccinations. I’ve done this for several years now. Questions please ask!!!!
Hi Gina – great to hear you’ve had your 1st shot safely.
I have a question generally about vaccines. Aside from the usual discomforts, are there are any additional side effects of vaccines for people with auto-immune conditions ? i.e. would there by a knock on effect on their immune system ?
For anyone with an auto-immune condition, getting any vaccine is really best to speak with your specialist(s). There are so many factors that come into play it really is best to seek medical advice. What is the right course of care for one person could be very different for someone else, with the same condition.
I do encourage open, direct conversations with all doctors.
Never leave a doctor’s appointment without all your questions answered. The good thing is many doctor’s LOVE their speciality so they are very happy to talk to about it.
When you get a flu shot that also takes about 2-4 weeks to become effective, which is why it is recommended to get it early in flu season each year.
And why so many people scream “the flu shot gave me the flu!” no, you were likely exposed before or just after you got it.
All I want for Valentine’s is a prick…
From the vaccine of course. In my country it is “free” so I’m waiting for my turn since the frontliners and senior citizens get it first. I tell my friends we’ve already paid for it (through our taxes) so we might as well get it. I know it’s not the magic cure all but you need to get your shots to keep up.
I still intend to wear a mask if I get to travel. Currently we have to wear masks once we are outside our houses. We can only take off our mask for eating, drinking and defined vigorous exercises.
Love this!!!
The vaccine is free here (US) as well. No idea why you would think you have to pay for it. Our “taxes” also paid for our’s here. The only difference is our taxes don’t usually pay for medical care (unless you’re on Medicaid or public assistance). Whereas when I lived in France everything was paid for (Public Assistance).
I can’t wait to get vaccinated!! – i’m in Quebec and it seems like for my group (30s) it will be August/Sept when we get vaccinated. Haven’t seen my aging parents and my 97yr old granpa since the summer 🙁
Honestly it’s going a bit faster now because doses are coming in regularly. The federal gov secured more doses than there are ppl in the country so our supply is good (sorry Conservatives, you won’t be able to say JT hasn’t acted quickly). We are one out of 10 countries in the world that has plenty access to the vaccine so it’s hard to complain when we compare ourselves with others. Our age group will likely get vaccinated in May, a bit earlier for those who can’t WFH. One of my friend is a teacher in Mtl for instance and she’s already on a wait list. Of course it’s not as quick as we’d want it, but not as bad as 1st predicted
I have never been so excited to get a shot in my life, LOL.
My mom (former infectious disease nurse who spent decades researching/developing vaccines) was telling me there is a difference between Pfizer and Moderna in terms of what they actually do but I cant remember the specifics and dont want to get it wrong (she wants the Moderna vaccine though lol.)
I do think the point about continuing to wear masks etc is important since we dont fully know whether the vaccines stop transmission. But even if just eliminates the possibility of severe COVID – thats a huge win in my opinion because it means there will be less pressure on the hospitals and front line workers once enough people get vaccinated.
I can’t wait either! I’ve essentially been in lock down since Sep. ‘19 when I had a baby because not only was I not going anywhere because of having a newborn but having a baby right before fall and winter flu season is the worst (I have two other kids born during this time) because you don’t want to get your baby sick. So I literally haven’t traveled outside of my town since then and it’s really taken a toll. I haven’t seen my in-laws since Dec. ‘19 which I’m not sad about at all. I have seen my parents twice since this all started. I’ve not seen my sister, her family or friends since either. I feel so sad for my baby who is now 16mo old though since she’s never seen anyone really and not been outside of our home. I feel like she is going to have issues when she can go into the world since I don’t think she knows there is a world outside of our family and home. I also hate how everyone is missed/ is missing her baby years.
Anyway, I’m just so dang frustrated with how slow this is rolling out here. We are still only doing 80+, long term care facilities, and front line doctors and nurses. My friend took her 80+ grandmother to get it on Tuesday and she said the place they went is all set up and ready to go, they told her they have a ton of staff and supplies and a big enough place but only five people came in to get it at the same time as her. There should be lines/a waitlist every single day to get this. I hate just sitting here everyday knowing there are a ton of doses that are also just sitting there. They should tell everyone that there is a build a bear giving away free build a bears.
I’m in Raleigh, and so many people are calling or going online, all the systems keep crashing again and again. Some say they are out already!
Also I just heard this yesterday. Apparently people who get Botox or filler‘s are getting bad allergic reactions. Nothing severe, just swelling and discomfort type of allergic reaction. Apparently it’s slightly worse with the Moderna.
@Gina Great. I have to get my Botox for my migraines next month. I’ve been waiting nearly 9 months b/c of pandemic. Guess I will hold off after that because I don’t want it to interfere with Covid vaccine. If I ever get it, as I’m a veteran and the VA is taking its sweet time giving it out. (I’m asthmatic, but VA is only giving it to over 75+).
I’m going to need more information about this.
Where did you get this info? Online? Word of mouth? Have any informative links you could provide please?
I got the information from a nurse colleague. We were all standing around talking about the vaccine and getting vaccinated and it was mentioned.
I got my 2nd dose of the Pfizer vaccine last Friday at midday (I’m in healthcare). I felt fine the rest of that day. Woke up Saturday morning with a headache and felt super tired (and a little woozy at times) all day long. Nothing unbearable, I just felt like I had no energy to do much and spent most of the day in my pj’s in a chair with a blanket. By that evening I started to feel more like myself, and when I woke up Sunday morning I felt 100%.
I’m still wearing a mask and don’t plan on stopping. I refuse to believe I am invincible, nor do I want to get anyone else sick.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m so happy for you that you got your second dose! I have some family that are frontline healthcare and they are about to get their second in the next week. Huge relief to know they’ll be protected.
I keep trying to tell anyone I can. I’m in healthcare and I’m shocked by how many people I know who refuse to get the vaccine because they’re so afraid of it. I took my advice from an infectious disease doctor in my city who has 50 years experience and participated in the trials. He said GET THE VACCINE. As far as I was concerned, I was going to listen to him, not yahoo’s on my Facebook page telling me I was going to grow a tail and sprout a second head.
@L84tea- it’s really disheartening and just stupid right? I had a telehealth appt with my general practitioner and he works in long term care facilities as well. He said in our maga area there are so many long term care employees that are turning it down and he’s baffled. He doesn’t understand how you sat there and watched all of these people die and you still won’t get it because you are more willing to believe all of the misinformation from your social media accts than actual doctors and scientists. He was like, this is a modern day miracle and we should all be absolutely grateful for it and take it the moment we can.
I got Covid about ten days after my first vaccine dose. My symptoms were much milder than the rest of my family, who also got sick but hadn’t been vaccinated. They delayed my second dose a couple of weeks but I will get it on Monday!
Notafan
– If you got COVID couldn’t you then just forgo the second dose due to the natural immunity of getting COVID ?
I’m getting the Moderna vaccine today at 11. (I’m a teacher and my state is fastracking us after health care workers.)
Thank you for posting this. I am excited and nervous as my husband is diabetic and want to make sure I know everything I can to help protect him. He’s not going to get the vaccine for a few months as he’s not a front line worker or over 70.
My husband is a teacher and I so wish they would fast track all of them! Several of his coworkers (both teachers and front office) have caught it (luckily with mild symptoms) and I just keep feeling like it’s a matter of time before he catches it, which scares me so much. 🙁
that’s exciting! (I’m so happy for all the CBers getting the vaccine!)
Our state is pushing up their rollout so teachers and people over 75 can start getting the vaccine next week, and then by the end of the month they should be on to people over 65. Of course part of that is because so many frontline workers are declining the vaccine, but I’m glad they’re at least keeping the process moving.
Good info! I received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Monday. I’ve been out all week vaccinating people in Georgia, either nursing homes or group homes of some kind. It feels really, really good. And its very humbling. I only cried once, when an elderly woman told me she can’t wait to see us for her 2nd vaccine, because she’s so tired of the same 4 walls of her room. :'(
Thank you for doing this! One of my friend’s dad lives in a nursing home in GA and got his first dose right before the new year. GA also opened up to let all 75+ seniors get their first dose on Monday. I’m thankful that my 80+ year old parents were able to get their first doses this week.
This is similar to how long it takes the flu shot to be effective.
I’m SO excited for the vaccine. Not so I can go to bars or on vacation (though I hope those things will be safer by the end of the year!) — I just want to be able to see my family and a couple friends who will also be vaccinated safely indoors. Haven’t seen my dad since New Year’s Day since he works in an office and it just doesn’t seem worth the risk. But I really miss him!
Real leadership. What a relief! Counting the days to my second dose. I’ve been a COVID nurse since February 2020 and it’s a freaking miracle that I haven’t contracted it.
Thank you for what you do and I’m happy you’ve remained healthy!
My 80 year old mom is getting hers on Tuesday. I started to cry after I made the appointment. I don’t think I’ll be eligible until the fall, but I will sleep better knowing she will be vaccinated. I also feel it was a small miracle that I was able to make the appointment. It’s a complete sh**show at this point. My state is allowing those 65 and older to get shots, along with anyone below that age who is at risk, including smokers. Sorry, but you can put my 55 year old friend with MS in the same category as a 30 year old smoker. It makes no sense at all.
I read about this. It makes me angry. I’m an ex smoker, it took multiple tries and a lot of stress to quit smoking, and I still miss it, but no way do I think people who voluntarily injured their lungs should get moved to the front of the line.
Jealous. What state are you in? I’m in Illinois and have MS and my husband is a type 1 diabetic, and God knows when we’ll be able to get vaccinated. I was originally thinking May/June-ish, but since IL is still on health care workers, I’m not feeling really optimistic.
While it’s an overall good explanation, some stuff needs a bit more precision. Within the 14 days after the 1st dose, the probability that one produces a protective immune response to the virus is 50%… It goes to about 90% after 21 days post-1st dose and it’s the reason why many states/countries are toying with the idea of postponing the booster shot in order to vaccinate as many ppl as possible. About 14 days after the booster shot, the probability that you’ve developed a protective immune memory to the virus, so that you don’t develop covid if exposed is somewhere between 95 to 97%. It means that 95 to 97 out of 100 vaccinated individuals will not feel sick, while 3 to 5 will… It’s not the same as saying that you, individually, are 95% immune. Some people don’t respond to certain vaccines due to genetic variations and it’s why herd immunity is so important.
And yes, the vaccines developed aren’t meant to eradicated the virus, they are protection against the disease caused by the virus. The distinction is important since there are no reasons that vaccinated individuals that are infected with the virus wouldn’t be able to produce some infectious particles before their immune system kicks in and so they might still be contagious and dangerous to non-vaccinated people. Though, likely, they’ll be less contagious than asymptomatic non-vaccinated ppl. Which is why masking and keeping some physical distancing remains important even when you are vaccinated and will remain so until the vast majority of the population is vaccinated.
This is really interesting — I honestly haven’t seen the vaccine explained like this yet, and had trouble understanding why certain precautions were necessary after we’re vaccinated.
You should listen to ep 703 and maybe 693 of This Week in Virology (aka TWiV), they contain a lot of info about the vaccines and dose schedules and it’s still accessible to people without an immunology/virology background. And yeah, most of the vaccines we get don’t mean that we’ll be able to kill the microbes before they get to reproduce; it’s why good hygiene practices are important esp when in contact with immunocompromised individuals. Fauci and others have been repeating for a months now that even with the vaccine, we’ll have to continue wearing masks and be careful for months for that reason.
I’m personally against postponing the 2nd dose for the very elderly for more than a month because they’re immune memory is already not great and there are too few ppl vaccinated to ensure some form of herd immunity, so hearing that my gov is pushing to postpone it for up to 90 days when we have absolutely 0 data makes me want to break stuff. For people in their 30s like me with no real risks, I don’t particularly mind, but I wouldn’t mess up the studied vaccine schedule for those who are the most at risks of complications, even if it means I have to wait a bit more
Thank you, I will check that podcast out! Can I ask, if you’re spending time with people who are also vaccinated, are you fairly safe? Based on your explanation that not everyone will respond to the vaccine’s effectiveness, now I’m unsure about that.
If you and everyone else is vaccinated? Yeah, it’d feel pretty safe. Like, whenever all my institute is vaccinated, we’ll stop wearing masks or working different shifts to avoid being in proximity. But I’ll mask up when commuting home. 95% effectiveness is pretty awesome (we’d have been happy with 50). What’s even nicer is that none of the people that were vaccinated and caught covid ended up with a serious disease which seems to indicate some protection nonetheless.
We can’t know how many vaccinated individuals caught it and were asymptomatic because none of the trials had weekly testing (it’d be difficult since tests are needed in the community and retention of participants would become an issue) so we have to go with the likelihood that some were
I’m with you, CB, I’m not in anyone’s bubble. We have gone and done some outside walking at the park with friends a few times, but other than that it’s just been me and my partner for the past ten months. I’m really glad to have him, rather than be alone, but it is really wearing on me, the lack of in person interaction. Starting to worry when this is all over I will be so socially maladjusted I won’t know what to do when I’m in a group.
Is it possible you can test positive because of the vaccine, for some time period after you get injected? I’m supposed to get my second dose next week but as of now my hospital doesn’t have any more doses (Thanks, Desantis!). I’ve heard people felt a little more under the weather after the second dose but I will be on the hunt for it next week if I can’t get it at work. I want it to work like it’s supposed to so I don’t want to miss my window and be less protected or not protected.
Since most of the tests performed are some version of a PCR that look for the presence of the virus’ genetic material, it’s unlikely that you’d test positive from vaccination only. The mRNA in the Pfizer/moderna vaccines won’t stay in your cells for long before it’s degraded and you wouldn’t find any it in your nose and or throat. You could test positive in an antibody test though.
Don’t stress too much about your booster shot: in all likelihood you won’t lose protection if you get the booster shot even a month or 2 later than planned, it’s the reason why many states and countries are thinking about postponing the booster in order to give a 1st shot to more people. It’s something that’s been done for ebola and yellow fever in the past and it worked so I guess it’s ok although I have some personal reservations about waiting for the elderly populations. But still, if you can get it within the company’s studied window, go for it (that’s still what I’d want for myself if I do it)
I’m in Massachusetts and I’m hoping my pregnancy will be counted as comorbidity since I’m immune system is comprised which means I’ll be part of Phase B – fingers crossed I’ll get it sometime after February and before April. I’m really hoping to be able to travel and see my family (with masks on) and since my husband already got his both doses (he’s a physician) he’ll be able to come with. In March it will be a year since seeing my parents and it feels so much longer than that.
I am frontline and a high risk because of an autoimmune disease and I still and having trouble getting it. I’m really frustrated. Thanks Florida. /s
Have been using the Publix Delivery app for curbside pick-up since the Spring, and it works beautifully. Gives me an excuse to get out of the house to go pick them up, too!
I haven’t hugged my nephews or sisters in almost a year…can’t wait for us to reach some degree of normality!
sorry to hear about your experience. it’s surreal to read accounts like yours – about the anxiety and stress from the pandemic because I have had anxiety all my life and this, though depressing, sounds just like another day of the week for me – I don’t ever feel safe or calm and am always on edge, covid threat or not, there are plenty of threats to go around haha
My state just opened up to everyone over 65. It’s a bit chaotic, but I’m hoping my parents get it soon. I know my mom is extremely careful, but my dad doesn’t seem to pay as much attention.
I got vaccinated on Wednesday. (Work for a health system that has already vaccinated over 15,000 of its front-line clinicians/care givers). I am grateful. Not planning to change a thing as far as masking, keeping away from people,, and hand hygiene. I plan on wearing masks for a long time. This is probably the first hear where I have not even caught a cold!
My sister in law got the Pfizer vaccine and had an reaction. Apparently if you’ve also received the shingles vaccine and then get the covid vaccine, there’s a chance of having an adverse reaction. My sister in law is fine now. But she said Pfizer is aware of this issue because she received several follow up calls after alerting her doctor about her reaction.
Do you mean if it’s within a month?? I just had a shingles vaccine & was going to wait a month.
Also, what was her reaction??
Anyone here who already got the shots and has an autoimmune disorder like Hashimoto? I am wondering how my hyperactive and misguided immune system will react to this kind of intense stimulation. I really wanna get the vaccination, but I have not yet found any statement on how the disorder affects the reaction, and I would be happy for any bit of information that fellow sufferers can share.
That’s a case where you should talk to the team that follows you and see what is the least hazardous in your specific situation and medical history. You’ll have to compare the likelihood and risks brought by getting covid with your medical conditions and the potential side effects of vaccination considering your immune system so it’s much better to talk about it with specialists that know you
I did. They said they have no idea (yet).
I got the first Moderna shot a week ago and it’s kind of kicked my ass. Very tired, almost all the side effects. I definitely still recommend people get the vaccine, but I will say that I’m anxious for side effects after the second, which I’ve heard are worse, and realllllly hoping I don’t have to get this every year.
My husband got both doses of the Pfizer (healthcare) and I am getting my second dose on Monday (high risk condition). We both did fine with the 1st dose, just a sore arm. He was tired and mildly achey and had mild chills the day after his 2nd shot but that went away in 24 hours.
What’s interesting is getting the 1st shot has made me *more* paranoid about getting Covid that I was before. I do not want to endanger that second shot in any way. We will continue to wear masks and distance, etc. after because we have kids who will not be vaccinated and we need to protect them. But I did make an appointment to get my hair done mid-Feb (4 weeks post-2nd shot), first time in 13 months. I am really looking forward to that.
I’m so happy for you!! ENJOY!!
Celebitchy, thank you SO MUCH for posting all this, and hang in there! Your columns have sure helped me get through this, no kidding.