Breakthrough COVID-19: What To Know
Written by Leslie K. Hughes
Despite being fully vaccinated, thousands of individuals are becoming infected with COVID-19. While the COVID-19 vaccines work extremely well, no vaccine is 100% effective, and there’s a small chance you could catch the virus even after getting the vaccine, otherwise known as “Breakthrough COVID-19.” We know - just when you thought the vaccine was the end to all of this, the virus strikes again. Which is why we’ve answered some of your questions about Breakthrough COVID-19 to help educate you and ease your concerns.
So, should I still get vaccinated even if I can still contract Breakthrough COVID-19?
The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccine breakthrough cases are absolutely expected, as no vaccine provides 100% protection. COVID-19 vaccines are still an incredibly effective and critical resource to end the pandemic, and will keep you from becoming severely ill. A very small percentage of fully vaccinated people who still get sick, are hospitalized, or die from COVID-19.
How common is it to contract Breakthrough COVID-19 even though I’ve been vaccinated?
Though early research suggests that Breakthrough COVID-19 is rare, it is still possible to contract. According to the CDC, developing studies suggest that the chance of getting breakthrough COVID-19 is about 0.05%. In these studies, researchers noted that infection happened while COVID-19 cases were surging in the regions where the research took place. However, in this early stage of breakthrough infections, research and answers are still underway.
What can cause Breakthrough COVID-19?
There are a few possible ways to contract Breakthrough COVID-19, including:
Being immunocompromised due to genetics or being on medications that compromise the immune system, like chemotherapy.
You contract a COVID-19 variant, such as the Delta variant. Research suggests that certain variants might make the vaccines less effective, but getting vaccinated still helps protect you from severe illness.
A health care worker accidentally stores or gives the vaccine incorrectly.
Can I spread breakthrough infection from COVID-19?
Yes, you can spread COVID-19 from a breakthrough infection. Certain variants like the Delta variant, are highly transmissible to others, and while you may be vaccinated, you can still infect those around you regardless of whether you have symptoms or not. However, experts say more research is needed on the topic.
What should I do if I’ve been infected with COVID-19 but I’ve been vaccinated?
Some people who get a breakthrough infection have no symptoms and don’t get sick. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t pass the virus along to others. If you think you’ve been infected, it's highly recommended to get tested and stay home. Your doctor may recommend self-isolating 10 days after getting your positive test result. However, please call your doctor to get proper guidance. And last but certainly not least, make sure to wear a mask to protect others from becoming infected.
If you’ve recently traveled, or think you may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 or Breakthrough COVID-19, Sameday Health is at the ready to offer you quick, reliable testing with standard, priority and Rapid PCR tests that provide highest accuracy results for your peace of mind. We also offer the COVID-19 vaccine at select locations in Virginia and New York.
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