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It’s finally here! Your appointment to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is today, and you’re probably feeling pretty invincible. Now that the long-awaited end of the pandemic is finally in sight, you’re done with all of this mask-wearing and social distancing, right? Well, not exactly. Getting vaccinated is not a “get out of pandemic free” card. On the contrary, it’s all the more reason for you to continue safeguarding yourself from the virus. Take a moment to go through the following points as you start preparing for your post-vaccine life.
First of all, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots. The first primes your immune system, and after approximately one month, the second shot gives your immune system that extra boost. Both doses of the vaccine are necessary for maximum protection, and you are not fully vaccinated until you receive that second shot. It’s vital to remain hypervigilant between your appointments as to not put yourself in jeopardy.
Additionally, even after you receive your second shot, the vaccine doesn’t guarantee full immunity. While both vaccines hover around the 95% efficacy mark, there is still a 5% chance of catching COVID-19 and expressing symptoms. Yes, you are in a much better position with the vaccine than without it, but the Centers for Disease Control have put out guidelines which state that you should continue wearing masks, washing your hands, and practicing social distancing after your shots.
Another point to consider is the limitations of the vaccine studies. While both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were tested on a large sample population and have been determined to be safe and effective by the FDA, the vaccines were not tested on their ability to prevent the spread of the virus. Although the preventive nature of the vaccines is being studied as a secondary endpoint, we still don’t know if a vaccinated person can spread the disease and act as a carrier. Until this is determined, you should continue to keep yourself separated from those who are unvaccinated, especially if they are individuals with comorbidities.
Generally speaking, your daily life should remain unchanged until at least 70% of the American population has received the vaccine. Once this happens, experts say we will have achieved “herd immunity,” which means that enough of the population has received the vaccine to limit the spread of the virus. Hopefully, once we reach this point, indoor dining, large gatherings, and commuting to and from the office will become the norm once again.
The fact that two highly effective and safe vaccines were developed, tested, and distributed in less than one year is a testament to modern medicine. While this is excellent news, we cannot let our guard down. Businesses and organizations in particular must continue enforcing COIVD-19 safety measures, and Cetrix is here to help companies, schools, and government agencies acquire PPE equipment in bulk.
