(WSYM) — As the vaccine continues to be administered, questions have been raised about what to do if you get the virus after the first dose and whether people will still have to follow health guidelines.
As more and more people get the vaccine across metro Detroit, health officials say it’s important we continue to follow health guidelines even after we’ve had both vaccines and until the country reaches herd immunity.
“After you get your first shot, you have no protection at all for at least a week or so,” said Matthew Sims the director of infectious disease research at Beaumont health.
Sims says as people continue to get the vaccine it’s important we continue to follow health guidelines, especially those on the front lines.
“I’m still following the safety protocols pretty strictly,” said Leroy Zagata, a teacher at Frankel Jewish Academy and relative of a 7 Action News employee.
Zagata has already received his first shot and is now waiting for his second dose. He says it was important that he get vaccinated especially in his surroundings.
“I work in a school, so I’m around people all day," Zagata said. "We’re socially distanced. We’re all wearing masks, but I’m still taking it really seriously right now."
Zagata says even though he received his first shot he doesn’t want to take any chances.
“It’s not just protecting me, it’s like me not spreading it, it’s keeping everybody around me safe too,” Zagata said.
Doctors say you can still get the virus even after your first shot, but they continue to study the effects and the new variants are a real concern.
“For Pfizer and Moderna, at least it looks like you still make enough antibodies to protect you," Sims said. "But until we really see it in play we don’t really know for sure."
Health officials say they continue to research the mutation of this virus and say we can’t let our guard down.
“Because they spread faster and if you happen to be unlucky and get that variant and start to spread it, it’s going to take off like wildfire," Sims said. “We need to get to the point where we are safe as a Nation,” said Sims.
Doctors say even after you received both shots it’s important to follow health guidelines until we have this virus under control.
