WHETHER YOU’VE HAD YOUR FIRST DOSE, OR ARE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19, WE WANT TO HELP YOU MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH.
Coalition partner HCA Healthcare’s Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Kenneth Sands answered your most pressing questions on COVID-19 vaccine safety and guidance:
Question: I had COVID-19. Will the vaccine still work for me?
Answer from Dr. Sands: Yes! The vaccine is still important for those that have had COVID-19. It turns out that the vaccine offers broader protection for the various strains of COVID so can prevent one from getting it again.
Question: Do the vaccines fully protect people with auto-immune diseases or people who use immunosuppressant medications?
Answer from Dr. Sands: It is known that the antibody response to the vaccine may not be as robust for those with an immunocompromising condition. It is not fully known who this translates into an increased risk of infection for, but it is a concern.
Question: I’ve been vaccinated, under what circumstances should I continue to wear a mask?
Answer from Dr. Sands: If you are vaccinated, the reasons to wear a mask might include:
- Protecting those that are very susceptible to illness, such as those with an immunocompromised condition;
- Local guidance such as airports or mass transit where all are required to mask in order to ensure appropriate standards of protection are being met;
- Protection from respiratory infections in general, such as flu and the common cold.
Question: Are there any negative side effects or impacts from taking COVID-19 vaccines with mRNA?
Answer from Dr. Sands: There are some short-term mild side effects to the mRNA vaccine but longer-term, serious side effects are very rare.
Question: If I’m vaccinated, should I stay away from people who are unvaccinated?
Answer from Dr. Sands: If one is vaccinated, there is no need to avoid individuals that are unvaccinated. The risk of getting COVID-19 is extremely low, and the risk of getting ill is almost nil.
Question: How long does the vaccine last — will we need it annually like the flu shot?
Answer from Dr. Sands: It is not yet known whether a booster shot will be necessary. Current studies seem to indicate that antibodies last several months, but beyond one year, there is simply not enough information yet.
Question: What are the long-term side effects/impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Answer from Dr. Sands: There are no known long-term side effects or impacts of the vaccine. These are among the safest vaccines ever created!
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For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and keeping you and your family safe during the pandemic, check out the CDC’s website.