Why Do I Still Have To Wear A Mask After Vaccine?

In a major step towards combating the coronavirus, vaccines against COVID-19 are finally being given out to people all across the world. It is a major development that has been made against the pandemic. However, health experts have recommended that people continue to wear masks. The virus is not yet gone and is in fact, mutating to give rise to new strains. These are more infectious and deadlier. Therefore, all necessary precautions must continue to be taken.

You May Also Check: Covid-19 Health Insurance

Reasons to Wear a Mask Even After Vaccination

The vaccine is one of the only resorts that we have against the coronavirus currently. That is why it is advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. However, even if you have taken both doses, you must wear your masks just as you had before. Here are a few reasons why:

1. The Vaccine is Not Completely Effective

   In India, there are two vaccines that are currently being given out, the Covaxin, by Bharat Biotech and the Covishield, by Serum Institute of India. Both of these vaccines have an efficacy rate ranging from 70% to 78%. They are not 100% effective against the coronavirus. This is understandable given the very little time these vaccines had to get developed. However, this also indicates that we must continue to take the necessary precautions, like wearing a mask. Masks have been recommended since the beginning of the pandemic as one of the most effective ways to prevent the virus and since it has been largely found to be an airborne virus, it is important to keep wearing a proper mask.

2. There Have Been a Number of Mutations

   Recently, there has been a rise in the number of mutations of the coronavirus. Of the new known strains, there has been the Indian strain, the African strain and the UK strain. It has still not been established how effective the vaccines are, against these new strains. The efficacy rates are still not full-proof and with the introduction of these new mutations, it is quite dangerous to go about without a mask. Although both the Covaxin and the Covishield have shown considerable resistance against the new Indian strain, it is still advisable to wear the mask to avoid unforeseen complications.

3. The Vaccine Takes Considerable Time to Take Effect

   The vaccine takes considerable time to take effect and the first fifteen days after the first dose might be an especially vulnerable time. Both of the vaccines are to be taken with four to six or eight weeks in between. Health experts have advised everyone to wear their masks while waiting for the second dose and even after because one of the reasons is that the vaccine will take time to fully kick in. This is especially important if you are suffering from any comorbidities.

4. You Can Still Spread the Virus to Others

   Although a vaccinated individual is considerably immune against the coronavirus, they can still play the role of a spreader. There has been no conclusive evidence that proves that vaccinated individuals cannot spread the virus and infect others. If infected, you may not get the worst of COVID-19, but you can still infect others around you. For the safety of those around you, therefore, you must continue wearing a mask.

Conclusion

Wearing a mask when around people, or in crowded areas, can be quite a simple task to achieve. They are easily available at most places at this point. To keep yourself as well as your loved ones safe, you must continue wearing a mask even after getting vaccinated.

You May Also Like to Read: Where Can You Register For the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Guide To COVID-19 Vaccination - All Questions Answered

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.