Colds, Coughs and Flu
<p><b>Can you still get COVID after the vaccine?</b></p>
<p>Vaccines are critical in the battle against COVID-19. The main purpose of vaccines is to provide immunity from the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.</p>
<p>As it stands, there’s a version of the virus that’s been found in more than 80 countries since it was first detected in India, called Delta.</p>
<p><b>Is it necessary to get the vaccine?</b></p>
<p>The vaccine is to help prevent severe illness from COVID-19 – it doesn’t mean you’ll never get COVID. In SA, we’re currently battling a severe third wave crisis, so a vaccine is one of the best ways to protect against the virus.</p>
<p><b>Breakthrough infections</b></p>
<p>Vaccines are effective, but not 100%. According to The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), data from the UK shows that the Delta variant is 97% more transmissible than other variants.</p>
<p>Research suggests that vaccinating enough people may help create herd immunity and get rid of the virus, but COVID is still relatively new and we’re still learning about the disease.</p>
<p><b>Good to know:</b></p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>One type of vaccine may be less effective than another.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Manufacturing problems might make certain batches of a vaccine less effective.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Problems with storage or thawing, or errors in vaccine dosing, could lead to vaccine failure.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The timing of the second dose of vaccine might play a role, whether given earlier or later than recommended.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Viral variants escape immune detection and flourish even in vaccinated people.</p>
<p>What does this mean? People who are fully vaccinated can still get reinfected with COVID-19 but with less severe symptoms.</p>
<p><b>Takeaway</b></p>
<p>In the meantime, while many wait to be vaccinated, help minimise the spread of the virus as best as you can. Stay at home, if you’re out on an essentials-run, wear your mask and maintain social distancing from others in queues. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly and try to limit your movements.</p>
