Can you get back to normal life after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
The people on the front lines of the pandemic started getting first doses of COVID-19 vaccines this week, and the shots will be available eventually to everyone who wants one.
Once you get the shot, can you go back to so-called normal life?
Dr. Robert Citronberg, Advocate Aurora Health Executive Medical Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention, says that while the vaccine would prevent you from getting COVID-19 after you get both doses of the vaccine, it’s possible that you could still carry the virus and spread it to others.
That’s why you’d still need to practice good public health precautions to avoid infecting other people.
“It’s safe for you because you’ve received the vaccine, but we’ll still ask you to wear a mask and maintain social distance so that you protect others,” Dr. Citronberg said.
You can watch Dr. Citronberg and Jane Dus, Regional Chief Nursing Officer and co-leader of Advocate Aurora’s COVID vaccine strategy, answer this question and any more in the video below. They talk about vaccine myths, why the vaccines require two doses, and what you need to know about children, among many other topics.
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About the Author
Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.
Loved the video conversation between Jim Skogsbergh, Dr. Robert Citronberg and Jane Dus. Is there a way I can get a written transcript of the conversation to share with some 88 year old friends, who don’t have access (or capability) to the internet? They are all fearful about vaccines. One of my friends got the new shingles shot last month, and because her arm was sore, she says there is “no way” she will get the second dose. Getting her (and her husband, who has diabetes) to accept the COVID vaccines will take more than the usual talking. If you can e-mail me the transcript, I could print it out for them.
Very interesting discussion. You answered questions and concerns I had. Thank you.
Does this also mean the same thing for people who have had COVID19 and have “natural immunity” …that they can also still be able to pass along the virus to others even though they have immunity.
The concept that you can still infect others after you have immunity doesn’t seem to be something that is talked about.
My wife and I are waiting to find out how we get on a list. We are 78 years old and want to be protected