With the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine, a hope of an end of the pandemic and return to “normal life” began. But according to scientists, even after vaccination, it’s highly uncertain to return back to our normal life.
Scientists say it will take time to have a pronounced effect as have cited various reasons for stay masked and follow precautionary measures.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines are considered the greatest achievement in the field of medical science. Every year around two to three million people are prevented from various diseases through vaccines – says the World Health Organization.
Chicken Pox, which is responsible for millions of deaths has been eradicated completely with the help of vaccines. But we must understand that it took decades to achieve this success, many of us are expecting the same result from the COVID-19 vaccine in a very short span of time.
According to Tedros Adhanom, the head of the World Health Organization (W.H.O), a vaccine on its own will not end the COVID-19 pandemic. We will still need to continue:
-Surveillance
-Testing, isolating & caring for cases
-Tracing & quarantining contacts
-Engaging communities
-Encouraging individuals to be careful
No Potential Change for Near Future
Our daily life has been completely transitioned, all courtesy to the pandemic. It won’t be returning back to our preconceived idea of “Normal” any soon.
In accordance with the risk associated with our front line covid warriors, the healthcare professionals are, and they would be at the highest priority to get vaccinated along with the old citizens. Moreover, the required number of vaccine doses is huge and would require some time to be ready.
Given that it would take a long to meet the desired number of vaccines, we can’t expect any significant change as at present, we don’t have sufficient stock in hand.
No More “Old Normal”
The main concern among the public is even if they get vaccinated, can they be sure of not getting attacked by the virus again?
According to the data on how corona vaccines will work in accordance with vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, & AstraZeneca. Scientists say it’s highly possible that it could prevent you from getting sick. However, it might not prevent you from getting infected or transmitting the infection to others.
It implies that we’ll have to follow social distancing and wear protective face masks.
The chances of getting back to our normal life look bleak. As we certainly have to make sustainable changes in our society as a whole.
What to do once you are vaccinated?
While scientists are still waiting to determine whether a vaccinated person can transmit the virus, people must stay aware and follow social distancing with everyone.
In case you and your friends & family members are also vaccinated, it should be considered safe to hang out with them. However, you should avoid being part of larger groups or gatherings, and traveling as it’s hard to determine if all people are vaccinated or not.
The long Road Ahead
Unlike measles, where you are probably “Immune for life” once you encounter it. But with Coronavirus, you lose your immunity eventually. Exactly like what happens when you get Flu and it doesn’t guarantee you an immune for life.
We might need “Repeated Vaccination” for coronavirus like we need an annual Flu shot every year.
One good thing about coronavirus is its mutation rate is not that fast, like influenza. So we possibly won’t need to upgrade the vaccines. It’s said that if we get the right vaccines now, we would be able to use them for decades.