COVID Q&A
Clarissa Chan, PharmD
Here are some of the top questions pharmacists are getting after patients have been vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.
How do I know if the vaccine is effective?
As of May 19, 2021, FDA does not recommend using currently authorized SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests to determine a person’s level of immunity or protection against COVID-19 at any time, especially after COVID-19 vaccination. Currently, more research is needed to determine the accuracy of test results designed to predict the level of immunity following COVID-19 vaccination.
However, if antibodies are detected, that means the body has developed an immune response from the COVID-19 vaccine to indicate a previous infection.This level of defense against the virus can prevent individuals from being severely affected by the virus, but the protection is not 100% effective.
Is the vaccine effective against the new Delta variant?
Breakthrough cases are infections in patients who have previously been fully vaccinated, but have later tested positive for a COVID-19 infection. Currently these are rare, but this indicates that the vaccine is not 100% effective against this new variant. Caution should still be taken to reduce unnecessary exposure.
When am I considered fully protected after getting the vaccine?
For the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines, full protection from the vaccine occurs 2 weeks after the second dose of a 2-dose series. For Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose Janssen vaccine, full protection occurs after 2 weeks of getting the single-dose vaccine. But breakthrough cases are occurring from the new mutated Delta variant, so even if a person is fully immunized, no one is 100% protected from infection. Individuals should be cautious and protect themselves, especially in areas of substantial or high transmission.
How long does the vaccine provide protection against COVID-19?
According to CDC, it is unclear how long protection is provided to fully vaccinated people after receiving the vaccine. It is still important for individuals to be fully vaccinated, and evidence still shows that a COVID-19 infection is much more harmful than any side effects from the vaccine. It is also important to know that the current vaccines on the market are not 100% effective against the Delta variant.
Should masks still be worn after I have been fully vaccinated?
With the surge of the Delta variant, mostly in areas where vaccination rates are low, states are beginning to mandate mask wearing indoors again. To maximize protection against the highly contagious Delta strain, CDC recommends people—especially older adults and people with compromised immune systems—wear masks in crowded areas or in places where there is an increased risk for contracting the virus.
How is the Delta variant different from the other strains of COVID-19?
As of press time, officials have found that the Delta variant is more contagious than the other strains of COVID-19. WHO calls this variant “the fastest and fittest.” F. Perry Wilson, MD, a Yale Medicine epidemiologist, says, “In a completely unmitigated environment—where no one is vaccinated or wearing masks—it’s estimated that the average person infected with the original coronavirus strain will infect 2.5 other people. In the same environment, the Delta variant would spread from one person to maybe 3.5 or 4 other people.” Unvaccinated people are at highest risk from the Delta variant, and the best protection is to be fully vaccinated.
If the vaccine is not effective against the Delta variant, then why did I need to get the vaccine?
Although there have been breakthrough cases of people being infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus after being fully vaccinated, these cases have been rare. Patients can take comfort in knowing that vaccinated individuals are more likely than unvaccinated individuals to experience a less severe case of the infection. Unvaccinated individuals are more likely to be hospitalized or even die from COVID-19.
Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine result in a positive COVID-19 viral test?
No. According to CDC, none of the authorized COVID-19 viral tests show a positive result because these tests only show results for a current infection.
Will I need an additional dose?
As of press time, CDC does not recommend an additional dose or a booster shot for generally healthy individuals. On August 13, CDC recommended a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (specifically those made by Pfizer and Moderna) for certain immunocompromised people. Adding a dose to the series for immunocompromised people could help better protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and slow the emergence of variants. More studies are needed to determine if a booster shot or a yearly vaccination similar to the flu vaccine will be needed.
What do I need to do now that I am fully vaccinated?
Spread the word! Tell your family and friends to get vaccinated. This will help protect everyone—even those who cannot be vaccinated—and bring us back to a new normal faster.