Article originally published February 23, 2021.
The distribution of 新型冠状病毒肺炎 immunizations has served as a source of hope across the globe. For many of us, the chance to be vaccinated is largely viewed as a ticket back to “normal.” Before you toss aside your mask and hand sanitizer, it’s important to realize that we may be establishing a 新 normal rather than returning to the pre-pandemic world we all once k新.
Continuing Protective Measures After Vaccines
一旦你接种了新型冠状病毒肺炎疫苗, 你应该继续戴口罩, practice physical distancing and wash your hands often. These preventive measures aren’t only important for you, but for those around you. 这是为什么.
The vaccine does not guarantee complete immunity.
就像流感疫苗一样, one of the primary goals of vaccination is to lessen the severity of illness if you do come into contact with the novel coronavirus. This means that even though current 新型冠状病毒肺炎 vaccines have proven to be largely effective, they do not completely eliminate the chance of infection. It’s important to be particularly mindful of this in the first few weeks following the second dose of your respective vaccine: while you may be considered fully vaccinated, the body requires several weeks to ramp up immunity. The same is true of single-dose vaccines.
Protect yourself by following public health recommendations, like frequently washing hands and disinfecting shared surfaces. If you choose to gather, be sure to do so with other fully vaccinated individuals. Continue to avoid crowds and large public gatherings, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
你仍然有可能感染其他人.
根据疾控中心, there is not enough information to know whether or not 新型冠状病毒肺炎 vaccinations decrease the transmission, 或传播, 病毒. This means that you may be able to infect those who are unvaccinated even though you’ve acquired immunity and are feeling healthy.
To protect others – especially those with an unknown vaccine history – continue wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, and make an effort to maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others.
群体免疫需要时间.
Herd immunity simply means that enough people have been vaccinated against or infected by an illness that it can no longer effectively spread throughout a population. 如果病毒无法传播, those who have not yet received a vaccine are indirectly protected by those who have.
While the concept is simple, the science is not. The percentage of people who need to be protected in order achieve herd immunity varies by disease. 例如, in order for herd immunity to be effective against measles, 95% of the population must have immunity to protect the 5% without (like 新borns and those with adverse reactions to vaccines).
目前, it is not known what percentage of the population will need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against 新型冠状病毒肺炎, 但很明显，这需要时间.
We should continue following public health guidelines for the next several months, regardless of whether we’re vaccinated or not.
Continue doing your part to slow the spread.
As we continue to make headway in overcoming this once-in-a-century pandemic, it is critical that we do not let our guard down. Keep doing your part to slow the spread by committing to:
- 戴口罩
- 保持社交距离
- 经常洗手消毒
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose with unwashed hands
- Avoid crowds, including large gatherings, events and public transportation
- Keep your social circle small, responsible and consistent
- Stay informed with accurate, credible information
- Get your vaccine and recommended boosters when available
Click here to learn more about the most up-to-date guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.
来源: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 世界卫生组织