A California resident gets sick with COVID-19 despite being vaccinated: why it can happen

The story of an emergency room nurse who tests positive for coronavirus despite being vaccinated is a reminder that handwashing, social distancing and masks will continue to be critical in 2021. ABC.

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Matthew W., a 45-year-old nurse from San Diego, received the Pfizer vaccine on December 18 and told reporters that the only side effect of the vaccine he experienced was a sore hand.

Six days later, after working a shift in the COVID-19 ward, Matthew felt chills, muscle aches and fatigue. A test at the hospital confirmed he had a coronavirus infection.

As Christian Ramers, an infectious disease specialist at the San Diego Family Health Center, pointed out, this scenario is not surprising. The fact is that patients do not immediately receive protection from COVID-19 after vaccination.

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«Из клинических испытаний вакцины мы знаем, что вам понадобится от 10 до 14 дней, чтобы начать развивать защиту от вируса», — сказал Рамерс.

Even after those 10-14 days, patients still need a second dose of vaccine for full protection.

«Эта первая доза, по нашему мнению, дает вам около 50%, а вторая доза нужна вам, чтобы получить до 95%», — добавил Рамерс.

Another possibility: Since the incubation period for COVID-19 can be up to 14 days, it is also possible that Matthew was infected prior to his vaccination on December 18th.

Оба возможных сценария напоминают, что вакцины — не панацея.

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Instead, experts say it will take time and constant adherence to basic safety measures such as social distancing, masks and hand washing to stop the pandemic.

«Вы слышите, как врачи очень оптимистично смотрят на то, что это начало конца, но по мере внедрения вакцины это будет медленный процесс, от недель до месяцев», — сказал Рамерс.

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