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You’ve probably seen the memes and social media posts circulating about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Once it became known that vaccinated individuals could still contract the virus and pass it on, those opposed to vaccination quickly jumped on this information, using it to argue that the vaccines are ineffective.
“Why should I get vaccinated when I can still get COVID?” your cousin John might say when you share an article highlighting the vaccines’ role in saving lives. “How silly to take a vaccine that doesn’t prevent illness,” Lisa from your college might comment under her post with the caption, “I trust my health over a shot.”
Such arguments are prevalent and can leave you unsure of how to respond. While it’s true that vaccinated people can experience breakthrough infections, especially with the emergence of variants like delta, these infections tend to be milder and less likely to result in hospitalization. However, they can still lead to transmission.
The crucial point here—though it’s a bit complex—is that vaccinated individuals are actually less likely to contract COVID-19 in the first place. Therefore, it’s inaccurate to assert that they are “just as likely to transmit COVID-19.”
Understanding Transmission Rates
How can they spread the virus if they are less likely to become infected? Dr. Sarah Thompson, an emergency medicine physician, clarifies in an article for The Atlantic that the bulk of COVID-19 cases and transmission occur among unvaccinated individuals. “Vaccinated people are not as likely to spread the virus as those who are unvaccinated,” Dr. Thompson notes. In fact, even in places where vaccination rates are high, unvaccinated individuals account for the vast majority of cases.
While the effectiveness of vaccines may have decreased with the emergence of new variants and waning immunity, the primary role of these vaccinations is to prevent severe illness and death. Even with reduced efficacy, vaccines continue to protect millions from severe illness and limit the spread of the virus. A vaccine offering 80% protection still significantly decreases the number of people who can spread COVID-19 compared to those who are unvaccinated, who have virtually no protection.
Additionally, vaccinated individuals who do contract COVID-19 typically experience symptoms for a shorter duration and are contagious for less time. This means that they may carry a lower viral load, further decreasing their ability to spread the virus.
The Importance of Vaccination
Ultimately, to effectively combat this pandemic, we need to ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated. High vaccination rates are essential to limiting the virus’s spread and protecting community health. The argument that vaccinated individuals are equally likely to transmit COVID-19 as those who are unvaccinated is unfounded and undermines efforts to promote public health.
For further insights and information, check out this other blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com. If you’re interested in home insemination options, Make a Mom provides great resources, and UCSF’s fertility treatment page offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Vaccinated individuals are not as likely to transmit COVID-19 compared to the unvaccinated. While breakthrough infections can occur, vaccinated people generally have milder symptoms and are contagious for a shorter duration. The ongoing need for vaccinations is crucial to reduce transmission rates and protect community health.