Are COVID-19 Vaccines Effective?

Vaccination efforts have been hailed as a success. For a brief time this summer, those who were vaccinated were able to experience relatively normal activities reminiscent of pre-pandemic life. And yet, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing. Once the highly transmissible Delta variant hit, infections and hospitalizations began to soar. The U.S. is now clocking around 100,000 new infections per day, which begs the question – Are the COVID-19 vaccines effective?

We’re approaching the year mark since the COVID-19 vaccines Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna received emergency authorization. In the last month, we celebrated full FDA approval for the first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer, calling it a “key achievement for public health.” The FDA says “the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.” Full approval for Moderna’s vaccine is also expected.

Science has determined that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and we helped debunk popular myths leading to vaccine skepticism. Thanks to federal, state, and local efforts, nearly 60% of the Orange County population is fully vaccinated. The FDA’s “official stamp of approval” is expected to convince as many as 20% of the 90 million vaccine-eligible people in the U.S. who are still unvaccinated to sign up for its protection.

The recent changes in CDC guidance were announced in response to Delta and the rapid, alarming rise in the COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates around the country. Since its emergence in March, data suggests the Delta variant is more infectious than other variants. It’s also spreading and evolving largely throughout the unvaccinated population.

There have been some concerns about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines after a number of recent studies indicated a growing number of “breakthrough” COVID cases among the fully vaccinated. However, the studies have shown that the fully vaccinated are still highly protected against severe infection, hospitalization, and death caused by the virus. This aligns with our recommendation of the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community is to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with current health mandates.

If you’re still on the fence, or if you’re concerned about the vaccine’s efficacy (especially with vaccine boosters being brought up in conversation), we’re here set the record straight. Here are the facts behind some of the most popular myths about COVID-19 vaccines.

MYTH: I’ve already had COVID-19 and therefore I don’t need the vaccine.

FACT: You should get vaccinated even if you have previously recovered from COVID-19.

It appears that people who recover from COVID-19 do develop natural immunity, but only temporarily. Studies have not been able to determine exactly how long natural immunity lasts. However, there have been cases of reinfection with the coronavirus, so it’s important to get vaccinated even if you had COVID-19 previously. The following guidelines apply:

• If you had COVID-19 recently, wait for recovery and to be off isolation before receiving the vaccine.  
• If your treatment for COVID-19 included the use of convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies (MAB), wait 90 days before receiving the vaccine.
• You should wait to get vaccinated if you currently have COVID-19 symptoms or are in quarantine after a possible exposure.

MYTH: You can’t get COVID-19 if you’ve been vaccinated.

FACT: There is a small possibility that you can still contract and spread COVID-19.

No vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time. This leads to what are called “vaccine breakthrough cases,” which are to be expected. Experts are studying how common these breakthrough cases are.

MYTH: You don’t need to wear a mask once you’re vaccinated for COVID-19. 

FACT: Different states, counties, and businesses have different rules regarding mask mandates.

In general, you do not need to wear a mask in areas with low transmission rates. You may feel more comfortable continuing to wear a mask in certain situations, including crowded indoor and outdoor settings. In areas of high transmission, continue to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

Many people in our population are still unable to get vaccinated — including children and those who have weakened immune systems due to other illnesses. Continuing to wear a mask helps protect those who are most vulnerable.

MYTH: The COVID-19 vaccines don’t work, which is why variants like Delta are spiking.

FACT: Studies show our vaccines currently protect against the variants pretty effectively.

Data shows that, while the authorized COVID-19 vaccines may be less protective against Delta in preventing infections and symptomatic illness compared with earlier versions of SARS-CoV-2, they still largely remain effective — and are very good at preventing serious disease and death.

The COVID-19 Delta variant is spreading among those who are not vaccinated. This is because most of the world’s population is still unvaccinated, and even in countries with efficient vaccination programs, a signification proportion of society (particularly children) remains unprotected. As long as there are large numbers of unvaccinated people around the world transmitting the virus, we’re at risk for new virus mutations that could be more virulent, more vaccine-resistant, and more dangerous for children and vulnerable groups.

MYTH: The COVID-19 vaccines created the Delta variant.

FACT: The vaccine cannot replicate the virus. The mRNA vaccines only provide instructions to the cells in the human body on how to make a “spike protein.”

The Delta variant is one of four variants of the new coronavirus. Mutations occur when the virus, once inside a new host, tries to replicate and make copies. In the replication stage, mistakes can happen when the copies do not come out exactly like the parent virus; those mistakes are called mutations. The new variations (or variants) can change how infectious the virus is and how the human immune system responds to the virus. None of the vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. contain the live virus that causes COVID-19.

MYTH: COVID-19 vaccines don’t work, which is why boosters are now being recommended.  

FACT: A third dose (booster) has been approved by the FDA and CDC for immunocompromised people. Neither agency has yet approved or recommended third doses for the general public, though the federal government is preparing for this outcome.

The government and vaccine manufacturers are taking preemptive steps based on concerns that the efficacy of the vaccines may wear off over time. New research from Pfizer found a drop in protection after six months, although the vaccine remained highly effective against severe illness. The booster shot will re-up on the vaccines’ protection against infection (a big concern given the highly contagious Delta variant) and ensure that, should you become infected, you won’t experience life-threatening symptoms.

Vaccines saves lives. And in this case, vaccines can also help to end this pandemic. If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or wish to get vaccinated, contact your doctor today.