An Update on COVID-19 Vaccines

Since 2019, when COVID-19 started, there has been conversation surrounding vaccines. 

According to the CDC, COVID vaccines are more than 90% effective. However, they are less effective at preventing infection/severe illnesses over time, mostly for people 65 and older. This is why booster shots are recommended for people 12 years and older. The vaccination lowers the amount of deaths of the people who actually get the shot(s). 

The CDC explains, “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can lower your risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines can also help prevent serious illness and death.” The COVID-19 vaccines are said to help with the immune system, therefore, it’s less likely for someone to get that disease. 

On the other hand, it is still possible for people to get COVID even if they’re completely up to date with all of their vaccinations. If someone is exposed to COVID, they should get tested five days after being exposed, and wear a well-fitting mask around people for the next 10 days for safety precautions. 

The CDC said, “If you already had COVID-19, you should still get a COVID-19 vaccine for added protection.” The vaccine is said to be a more reliable way to build immunity to COVID-19. Sometimes, people get a natural immunity because they have already had the virus, so they are less likely to get it again. 

However, their natural immunity may vary on how mild/severe their illness was, the time since their infection, and their age. While some think that the natural immunity that they get from being sick with COVID is better than the immunity you get from the vaccination; data shows that this simply isn’t true. 

The CDC stated, “When you are up to date on COVID-19 vaccination, you can resume many activities with proper precautions (e.g., mask wearing in indoor public spaces).” According to the CDC, when you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, you do not always have to wear a mask in public areas. Outdoors, you already don’t have to wear a mask, but inside, you normally have to.