PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There are several important things to know about COVID-19 vaccines.
First, although they limit the chance of infection after exposure to COVID-19, they are designed to dramatically reduce hospitalization and death. The more people who are vaccinated, the less COVID-19 in the environment.
But, until we get more people vaccinated, cases will continue, whether vaccinated or not.
Another point: The vaccines are not lifetime vaccines. They only last months and require boosters.
A study from the UK found after two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, protection drops to 88% in one month and 74% in six months. This is why the booster — the third dose — is recommended.
Finally, vaccinated people clear the virus from their system much faster than the unvaccinated, but at peak viral load, they are most infectious. This is why mask-wearing, social distancing and testing remain so important.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.