I just read some interesting info in the Jan-Feb edition of AARP Bulletin.
"Question: Once I'm fully vaccinated, can I go back to normal life?
Answer: No. Everyone will need to continue all current recommendations regarding social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding travel. This is because up to 10 percent of vaccinated individuals will not be protected from getting Covid-19, and because reinfection, while uncommon, can still occur.
And the vaccine itself doesn't prevent you from contracting the virus. It simply prepares your body to mount a vigorous defense so that if you do become infected, the resulting illness is far less likely to be life-threatening. "
The article goes on to say (paraphrased) that even if we receive both vaccines, that's no guarantee of immunity. Also, we don't have enough data to know how long the vaccine remains effective. The first people to receive the vaccine in clinical trials was in late September, so we won't know until this coming September if the vaccine lasts for a full year.
So, it appears that the vaccine is far less of a magic bullet than many people think that it is. I certainly hope that it works, but with the limited knowledge that "the experts" have on it, it appears to be far from a certainty that this virus is going away any time soon, or that it won't mutate and require annual shots to try to stay one step ahead of it. It would seem that trying to stay healthy and reducing the severity of your comorbidities, if possible, would be a good idea whether you receive the vaccine or not.
|