Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
February 24, 2021
Question-Why Do I Need Two Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Answer-With the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine it is recommended you receive 2 doses to have 94-95% EFFECTIVENESS of the vaccine. It is also important to receive your second dose on time. According to the CDC, there have not been studies conducted past 6 weeks between doses. The recommendation is 28 days. Once a vial of vaccine is opened, we have 6 hours to administer 11 doses to prevent waste. This is why you are given a return appointment for your second dose.
Question-Why do I still have to wear a mask after I receive the vaccine?
Answer-We know the vaccine is 94-95% effective. We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.
Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence is available.
Question-Is there new quarantine guidance for people who receive the vaccine?
Answer: Yes, vaccinated persons with an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., greater than or equal to 2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or greater than or equal to 2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
- Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
- Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure
Hospitalized individuals and individuals residing in a nursing facility are still required to quarantine after an exposure.
For additional questions refer to this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html