Vaccinations with the corona vaccine against the coronavirus are currently taking place throughout the country. What we do not yet know for sure is whether the vaccines are also able to prevent the spread of the virus. The RIVM has indicated that it is still unclear whether you can still spread the virus after vaccination. This is now being investigated.In the meantime, you must continue to adhere to the measures. This way everyone stays safe, whether they are vaccinated or not.
The corona vaccine can reduce the spread
Although it is still unclear whether the vaccine will prevent the spread of the virus, expectations are that the vaccine will at least help to reduce the spread. According to Frits Rosendaal (professor of clinical epidemiology at the LUMC), this is because vaccinated people suffer a lot less from the virus.
The vaccine can counteract the mild form of the corona. If these people do become ill, they will have a lot fewer complaints and they will also cough less. Because they have fewer complaints, they also spread the virus less than someone who is more affected by the virus.
What about current studies?
The studies that have been done to allow the corona vaccine have only tested the effectiveness of fighting the virus. They have not tested for the spread of the virus. That is why vaccines are allowed on the market.
Now that the vaccines are being administered worldwide, more research can be done on the vaccine's effectiveness at fighting and spreading the virus. A study from Israel showed that the spread has decreased significantly since people have received the Pfizer vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective, but the people who did become infected appear to carry a lot fewer virus particles than people who have not been vaccinated. They are also less likely to infect others, indicating that the vaccine also makes you less contagious.
Getting infected without symptoms
The Moderna vaccine is also said to help prevent the spread of the virus. A study was done in which one group received the vaccine and the other group received a placebo. As with Pfizer, Moderna is given in two doses. People who tested positive during the study were found to have no symptoms of the virus. Because they have no symptoms, they are also much less likely to pass the virus on to others. They cough less, which means fewer virus particles end up in the air.More research is needed to determine the chance that you can still spread the virus after vaccination. What we do know is that the corona vaccine often only takes effect two weeks after the last vaccination. So stick to the measures until there is more information about the vaccines and their effects.
