There is no cure yet for COVID-19, but it does not mean that parents should skip the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.
“The vaccines can protect us from one, mild or asymptomatic COVID; second, from moderate or severe COVID; and third from transmission,” Dr. Beverly Ho, DOH Director for Health Promotion and Communication Service, tells SmartParenting.com.ph.
This means that while it is possible to still get infected with the virus even after you’ve been vaccinated, you will have less worries about dealing with severe symptoms that can lead to death.
What to expect if you get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus that causes it. These are called ‘vaccine breakthrough cases.’”
What happens if you contract COVID-19 after the first dose of the vaccine? Will it affect the efficacy of the complete dosage?
According to an infectious disease doctor, the efficacy might even improve.
“Because you expect antibodies to be produced after you get sick. And each succeeding vaccination is expected to boost your antibody levels. So, if anything, it might improve your final protection levels,” Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and Chief of Infectious and Tropical Disease (Pediatrics) at the UP-Philippine General Hospital, tells Smart Parenting at a recent Summit Sandwich Session.
However, it’s important to remember that it typically takes about 2 weeks for the body to build protection against the coronavirus after vaccination. You can still get sick if vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.
The Department of Health recommends “continue wearing masks, staying at least 1 meter away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing hands often to protect yourself and your family.”
Got questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? We have answers here.
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