6 questions many still have about the COVID-19 vaccine

Since the pandemic of COVID-19 accelerated the development, production and distribution of vaccines against the new disease, there were doubts among the population about their effectiveness.

But with the first two already approved in the United States – Pfizer and Moderna – and others seeking federal government approval, vaccination is underway, with high demand for doses to treat coronavirus cases. help fight those who continue to register.

Here are some of the questions that still exist:

1. Can I get it after I have been vaccinated?

– Yes, the protection provided by the vaccine is not immediate. The only two vaccines currently approved in the United States require two doses with a few weeks apart, three from Pfizer and four from Moderna. Once the second dose is completed, wait two weeks until you are fully immune to the vaccine. In addition, the person may be infected for a few days before or after the vaccination. In Puerto Rico, as in other countries, several cases of infected people have been documented shortly after vaccination.

2. Can already vaccinated travelers who travel present a vaccination certificate, with both doses, or are they still required to obtain the result of a diagnostic (molecular) test?

– The federal government has not yet commented on this. however, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a directive to require a negative COVID-19 test of all travelers arriving in the United States by plane. The directive, which will take effect on January 26, aims to prevent travelers from introducing new virus strains. The test must be done three days before the flight. It has also been reported that travelers can provide information about previous infection of the virus and whether they have already overcome the disease.

3. Can a person who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 test positive for the virus?

– No, neither the two vaccines currently approved in the United States, nor the vaccines expected to be approved soon, will cause anyone to test positive for the virus. However, according to the CDC, there is a possibility that vaccinated people will test positive for some antibody tests that indicate they have had a previous infection and have some protection against the coronavirus.

4. Should people infected with the corona virus still be vaccinated?

—The CDC and experts in the field had warned people who are already infected should wait at least 90 days before being vaccinated, as the disease provides natural protection during this time. However, the CDC warned that because of the risk of re-infection, previously infected people would not have to wait three months to get vaccinated.

5. Should vaccinated people follow the protocol to avoid contamination, such as using masks, social distancing and hand washing?

—While the two vaccines against COVID-19 in the United States offer high protection against the virus (95% from Pfizer and 94% from Moderna), there is always the possibility of infection or reinfection of the virus. In addition, the risk of infection remains high as long as there is no herd immunity, with 70% to 80% of the population vaccinated. For this reason, continuation of virus prevention measures is recommended even among vaccinated individuals.

6. Is the vaccine compulsory?

“The federal government doesn’t need it.” However, the CDC warns that some essential health workers and employees may be required by their employers, based on a state law. Still, there may be exceptions to the vaccine, such as religious beliefs. On December 16, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission confirmed that a virus vaccination requirement alone would not violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. That law prohibits employers from conducting certain types of medical examinations.

Sources Consulted: Víctor Ramos, President of the College of Surgeons; Miguel Colón, former president of the Infectious Diseases Society, and CDC.