Gonna talk about those MRNA vaccines real quick.
So, many of us (possibly not all, because other vaccines in the pipeline) are going to be getting either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
What vaccine you end up getting is likely to depend on your age, health, and where you live. Pfizerās vaccine is harder to store and transport, so if you live in a big city youāre more likely to get that one.
For what Iām going to say, though, it doesnāt make a difference.
Youāre going to be getting twoĀ shots, a few weeks apart. For Moderna, itās 28 days (4 weeks). For Pfizer, itās 21 days (3 weeks). Yes, this sucks. No, this is not ideal for mass vaccination. Youāll get a card that will remind you to come back for the second dose. The person administering the shot, most likely a pharmacist, will also ask for your cell phone number so they can text you. Because if you donāt come back that first shot is a waste of time.
We donāt know for sure if the single shot gives any protection at all, but the reasonable assumption is that it doesnāt.
This means you need to get your ass back in there for that second shot. And while you are waiting for that shot, you are not protected.
This means you should continue to wear a mask, etc. In fact, if possible, you should be even more careful, because if you get sick and canāt come in for that second shot? Theyāll most likely have to start over. The trial included longer periods between the two, so you might be fine, but there is a risk here.
And once you have had that second shot?
Itās going to take two to four weeks to build antibodies, during which time you will have lower, but increasing, protection. Theyāll tell you what it isā¦that data hasnāt been released yet, but will be.
So you should still continue to be careful for those weeks.
Finally!
We donāt know if these vaccines provide what is called sterilizing immunity, meaning you canāt be infected and canāt pass it on.
They may only provide functional immunity, meaning you get infected but donāt get sick. You could still transmit COVID-19 to others, although the risk is lower.
Which means?
Yeah, the masks have to stay on until the case numbersĀ and other metrics are looking good.
Please donāt be those people who get that first shot and go throw a wild party. Have a bit of patience.
