Darrick Robles In Germany, more than 35% of the population is already fully vaccinated . Over half received at least one dose of vaccine. dr Annette Alaeus, doctor at Med-Healths and specialist in infectious diseases, answers the most frequently asked questions about the corona vaccination .
Why should I get vaccinated?
dr Annette Alaeus explains that vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself and others from a Covid 19 infection: “Anyone who can be vaccinated should accept the vaccination offer.” The fewer corona viruses circulating in society, the better we can also better protect those who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccinations make a significant contribution to containing the pandemic.
dr Alaeus advises: Anyone who has concerns about the vaccine should use the doctor’s vaccination advice .
Will the vaccine prevent me from getting Corona?
The probability that a fully vaccinated person will test positive for SARS-CoV-2 is very low – however, an infection cannot be ruled out 100%.
However, the data from the registration and observational studies show that all approved vaccines provide effective protection against serious diseases . “Even if you contracted Covid-19, you would have a very low risk of a severe course if you were vaccinated,” says Dr. alaeus
Can I infect others with Corona after being vaccinated?
Based on the current data, researchers assume that the viral load in vaccinated people who become infected with corona viruses is greatly reduced. The length of time in which they shed viruses also appears to be shortened. As a fully vaccinated person, you are therefore less likely to infect others than unvaccinated people.
Do I still have to comply with all protective measures?
Those who have been vaccinated (as well as those who have recovered) are treated on an equal footing with those who have tested negative when visiting restaurants, the cinema or the gym . After travel, they do not have to be tested and do not have to be quarantined – unless they come from a virus variant area.
Although we know that vaccinated people are protected, they can still pass the virus on to others. The STIKO therefore recommends that vaccinated people continue to adhere to the generally applicable protective measures (wearing masks, keeping your distance, washing your hands) .
Which vaccination side effects can occur with the corona vaccines?
The possible side effects are similar for all vaccines and usually go away on their own after a short time. The most common side effects include:
- Swelling or pain at the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, chills or fever
- Some people experience muscle or joint pain
In rare cases, allergic reactions can also occur. dr Alaeus explains that this is usually only the case for people with severe allergies or people who have had an adverse reaction to a vaccine before.
“The corona vaccine studies are among the largest studies ever conducted. We also have a huge amount of real-world data from the countries where the vaccine was introduced,” says Dr. alaeus “There were extremely few serious side effects, and the side effects we observed were well managed.”
Why are two doses required for most vaccines?
dr Alaeus explains that a high level of protection is usually achieved with the first dose. The second vaccine dose is what is known as a “booster”. It stimulates the immune system to produce more immune cells and helps the vaccine to last longer.
Can I go about my normal activities, such as going to work or exercising, after the vaccination?
Most people can go about their normal activities after being vaccinated. However, you may need to rest for a few days in case side effects such as flu-like symptoms occur.
Light activities like going for a walk are usually not a problem – as long as you feel good. However, you should avoid any particular stress immediately after the vaccination. Physical exertion puts a strain on the circulatory system and metabolism – and these are already required by the vaccination anyway.
How long does the vaccination protection last?
Studies are currently underway to determine whether and when a new vaccination will be necessary. But it is still too early to make more precise statements about this. “A booster shot will probably be necessary, but only time will tell. We must continue to monitor developments and collect more data,” explains Dr. alaeus
How well do the vaccines against new variants work?
“There will always be new variants as viruses adapt to new environments and new hosts,” says Dr. alaeus
Researchers use full genome sequencing to identify new variants and study how they respond to the vaccines. There is now enough data available to show that the vaccines are also effective against the British variant (B.1.1.7) . Work is ongoing in other areas and for other strains such as the Indian Delta variant.
If some vaccines turn out to be less effective or even ineffective against certain variants, the scientific community is prepared. “We have a number of different vaccines to choose from and they can all be adjusted relatively quickly,” explains Dr. alaeus
You can find more reliable information about the vaccines on the RKI website .
Do you have further questions about vaccination against Covid-19? Use our free medical vaccination advice via video .
