Why Do You Need to Mask Up Even After Being Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine?

This article about the COVID-19 vaccine is included in our series of health articles regarding the COVID-19. Follow Top Medical Magazine for more related articles!

Wearing masks (and face shields) is still required in the Philippines, even for those who already got their COVID-19 vaccine. It may sound absurd, but even after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, health officials advise that you continue to take standard pandemic measures. In this article, we’ll share with you the Science-backed reasons why you still need to mask up even after getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccines are not 100% effective.

Vaccines are frequently slightly less effective in the actual world. The phenomenon is described by scientists using precise words. Vaccines’ protection in clinical trials is referred to as “efficacy,” whereas the actual immunity shown in a vaccinated population is referred to as “effectiveness.”

COVID-19 vaccine do not offer immediate immunity.

While most data suggest that vaccinated individuals are unlikely to spread the virus if infected, if you’re spending time with high-risk or immunocompromised people, it’s a good idea to wear a mask to protect them as well. Covid shots take a little longer to administer than other vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine. To put it another way, full protection won’t arrive for another five or six weeks after the initial shot.

COVID-19 vaccine may not protect you from spreading the infection.

While covid vaccinations certainly prevent disease, it will take more time for researchers to determine whether they also prevent transmission. We don’t know if the vaccine protects against infection or just sickness at this time. Even if they don’t feel unwell, a vaccinated individual may still be able to transfer the virus.

People with weak immune systems are protected by wearing masks.

Even if we can all do something to boost our immunity, some people are unable to receive vaccines. While most people with allergies can safely get covid vaccinations, those who have had severe allergic reactions to vaccine ingredients, such as polyethylene glycol, should avoid vaccination, according to the US CDC.

Regardless of genetic alterations, masks protect against every strain of the coronavirus.

Once the majority of individuals are protected and there is less virus moving in the air — and in the community — the advice and limits on this may be eased a little. One picture of the new normal, whether it’s in 2021 or 2022, is a gradual relaxation of the recommendations, with periodic renewals when the virus resurfaces in a community.

For everyone’s safety, continue to use masks inside, in busy situations, and in places where the vaccination status of people outside your household is unknown. If you have a lot of contact with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, you should additionally wear a mask. Experts say it’ll be important to use masks even if you’ve been vaccinated until the disease’s frequency has been considerably reduced.

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Joiada Cruzate

JD is Top Medical Magazine's editor-in-chief. As a writer who has spent most of the past decade sitting behind a computer, she understands the importance of doing even the simplest things to combat the effects of a near-sedentary lifestyle and stay healthy. Yes, drinking coffee included.