Experts say that taking the COVID-19 vaccine does not mean that one should stop wearing a face mask. For some people, the vaccine’s immunity-building action can take 45 days that includes taking two vaccine shots 28-30 days apart. And for few others, the vaccination may give protection against the COVID-19 infection soon. However, there is no clarity on whether the person would stop transmitting the virus if he or she is infected in between the two shots or thereafter.

Vaccine expert, Dr Naveen Thacker, said that COVID-19 trials are studied for safety and production of antibodies, but no one had looked at transmission of the virus. Furthermore, none of the vaccines provides 100% protection against disease. People who are vaccinated might get a milder disease.

Due to the absence of answers, one should continue wearing face masks and wash hands frequently to break the COVID-19 transmission. Dr Thacker also said that during the polio immunization drive, it was observed that few older children protected by the polio vaccine, continued to transmit the virus.

Dr Shashank Joshi, who is a member of the state government’s COVID-19 task force, said that COVID-appropriate behaviour should continue and also should be independent of the vaccine. Dr Joshi is now an advisor in the state’s coronavirus immunization plan. He further said that it would take three months after the immunization drive to understand the complete effect and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus or coronavirus enters through the nose. The vaccine would be given on the hand muscles and there is no vaccine trial studied if the antibodies reach the nasal mucosa cover.

Epidemiologist, Dr Giridhar Babu has asked few questions whether children take the COVID vaccine? Is it necessary for them? If an infected person takes the shots, will the vaccine improve the antibody protection or will it be risky? Also, there is still the debate going on whether immunization for people who have suffered from COVID-19 is required.

Source: ET Healthworld