Health officials are warning folks it can take several weeks after your second COVID vaccination to receive adequate levels of immunity.
Ochsner Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo said he was vaccinated, then a week later unknowingly exposed to a positive case, and a week after that began developing symptoms.
“There is some degree of protection when you get the vaccine but it does not give you complete immunity against the disease,” said Russo.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are thought to be only 50 percent effective a few days after your first shot. Russo said ten to fourteen days after your second dose is when you achieve immunity.
“When I say immunity, it is that you have a 95 percent chance of not contracting the disease if you come into contact with someone who has COVID,” said Russo who adds that there are some people for whom the vaccine will not take and even after two shots will receive no immunity. This is more common in those with autoimmune disorders.
Russo said two weeks after your second shot you’re pretty safe to move throughout the community, but it will still be necessary to mask up and socially distance for a time.
“Once we reach a plateau of about 75, 80 percent of people who are immune to it the virus will go away, that is the only way that we are going to come out of this,” said Russo.
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