Covid and the Vaccine- What We Know as of January, 2021.
It is not yet known whether the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines protect people from infection entirely, or just from symptoms. That means vaccinated people might still be able to get infected and pass the virus on, although it would likely be at a much lower rate. It is still an unknown. Therefore, even if you get vaccinated, you still should wear a mask and social distance. 75-80% of the population needs to be vaccinated before masks and social distancing can end.
People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated.
Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before. Dr. Fauci recommends it.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking steps to ensure all Americans, including the nation’s seniors, have access to the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost when it becomes available. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.
All but one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in the United States need two shots to be effective. The other COVID-19 vaccine uses one shot. It is unknown as to how long the vaccine will last at this time and may require annual shots or booster shots similar to the flu vaccine.
