FAQs: Can you contract Covid-19 even if you have have taken both doses?

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Although the number of people getting inoculated is increasing, scepticism regarding vaccine efficacy is also rising after some people contracted the virus despite taking both doses of vaccine. With 12,71,29,113 people already getting vaccinated in India, addressing these questions assume significance.

What is vaccine efficacy?

In layman terms, vaccine efficacy means how much effective is the vaccine in lowering the chances of an outcome. Dr Vivek Nangia, Principal Director & Head, Pulmonology, Max Hospital, Saket, said: “If the efficacy of a vaccine is 70%, then it implies that there is 70% probability you will not catch the infection.”

Can you get infected even after taking both doses?

“Vaccine is not a magic bullet that will totally prevent the person from catching the infection. It reduces the severity and probability of catching the infection. Even if it does, the symptoms will be mild and moderate. It will at least save you from death. As per studies, nobody in the trial died after getting vaccinated. This is itself a big saviour,” said Dr Nangia.

What is the best interval between two doses?

Dr Naresh Trehan, MD, Medanta, feels increasing the interval between two jabs can be a strategy in these times.

“But the interval shouldn’t be beyond 4-6 weeks because what if the person gets infected in between the two doses,” he said.

Now, the question arises, what if the person gets infected after getting the first dose of the vaccine?

Dr VK Paul, Member, Niti Ayog, told PBNS that if a person contracts the virus after the first dose, then he/she must get the second dose after 12 weeks.

What should you do?

Even after getting inoculated, wearing a mask is important. As per Dr Nangia, “Ideal situation is to wear an N95 mask. Other than that, as per a study conducted by CDC, chances of virus transmission is lower when people wear two normal masks.”

“When you wear a mask, the mask should be snuggly fitted. One should not touch the front surface of the mask in any case,” he further stated.