Common questions about COVID that I get from patients at my clinic

(Part 2)

This week, let me share with you more questions from patients at my clinic. These questions are regarding the Coronavirus disease (Covid).

  1. Should fully vaccinated individuals continue to observe minimum health protocol like wearing face masks?
    Answer: The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every vaccinated individual should wear a mask in indoor public settings, especially if that person has other household members at risk of developing severe Covid.
  2. Does reinfection occur after a SARS-CoV-2 infection?
    Answer: The natural immunity we get following an infection is transient thus reinfection may occur. This is why we still recommend Covid vaccination after an infection.
  3. Are the available vaccines still effective against the Omicron and Delta variants?
    Answer: The overall effectiveness of the vaccine against Delta and Omicron variants is reduced. Fortunately, its effectiveness against severe and critical disease is retained. Vaccinated individuals are less likely to develop severe and critical disease compared
    to unvaccinated individuals, if they get infected by either the Delta or Omicron variant.
  4. Does vaccination decrease the risk of transmission of the virus?
    Answer: Individuals who get infected despite vaccination have low viral loads, therefore, they are less likely to infect others compared to unvaccinated individuals.
  5. Can we coadminister Covid vaccine with other vaccines like influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in the same day?
    Answer: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) previous recommendation was not to give other vaccines within 14 days of Covid vaccination. But this recommendation was revised. Coadministration with non-Covif and Covid vaccines is now recommended. The safety and immunogenicity of the vaccines are not compromised.
  6. When is the right time to get Covid vaccine after being hospitalized due to the disease?
    Answer: Vaccination can be given once you have fully recovered. There is no need to wait for 14 days. If an infection occurs after receiving the first dose of two-dose series, the second dose should be administered after full recovery.
  7. Can I donate blood if I have a history of Covid infection?

Answer: As long as you have recovered from the illness, you may donate blood. Covid vaccination is also not a contraindication for blood donation.