Yes, you can catch it even if you’re vaxxed, but you are far less likely to die or be hospitalized
By UI HEALTH CARE
The answer takes some explanation, with the help of Dan Diekema,
MD, MS, hospital epidemiologist, and infectious disease specialist.
It’s also a good time to remind ourselves that we must recommit
ourselves to follow safety standards at work and in our community: Be aware and
committed to mask wearing, social distancing, and avoiding gatherings.
By focusing on our safety measures during this surge in cases due
to the omicron variant of COVID-19, we can each make a difference.
The purpose of
vaccinations
First, we must understand the purpose behind vaccinations. In
general, vaccinations of any kind (from COVID-19 to chickenpox) are intended to
lessen the likelihood that an individual contracts a certain illness. But the
most important goal of a vaccine, and what is essential to know about the
COVID-19 vaccine, is that it reduces the severity of the illness within an
individual if they do get sick.
COVID-19 vaccine boosters
Initial reports show that receiving only one or two doses of an
mRNA vaccine, like the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, does not reduce the
likelihood of infection against omicron as much as it does against previous
variants. However, receiving a booster greatly helps both prevent the
likelihood of infection with the omicron variant and reduces the severity of
illness if you do get sick.
So simply put, even though the vaccines won’t always keep you from
catching the virus, they’ll make it much more likely you end up with mild
symptoms like congestion, a sore throat, and fatigue, rather than a hospital
stay.
Omicron is
highly contagious
Although early data indicates omicron does not cause more severe
illness than previous variants, it does spread much more quickly.
Omicron appears to replicate more efficiently than previous
variants, and if those infected with COVID-19 have high viral loads—i.e., the
amount of virus in the airway—they’re more likely to pass the virus on to
others, especially those who are unvaccinated or un-boosted.
Safety guidance
Expert advice for staying safe hasn’t changed in light of omicron.
Wearing masks while indoors, avoiding gatherings and keeping your distance from
others, and receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and booster remain the most
effective ways to limit the spread of the virus.
