After the Vaccine

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is exciting, and a step in the right direction in helping us get back to normal life, but that does not mean you can disregard public health orders and go back to normal right away.

There have been numerous studies and data showing how successful the vaccines can be, but that does not mean the pandemic is over once you have received your first dose. We know the vaccines are not 100 per cent effective, even once an individual is fully vaccinated, but they are a useful tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19. 

While you have some immunity from COVID-19 after receiving your first dose, you are not 100 per cent immune and are still at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

Even after you have received a vaccine, you still need to follow all guidelines to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 comes to a halt. This means following all the fundamentals that helped us slow the spread in the past:

• Check yourself for symptoms every day using the COVID-19 screening guidelines
• Stay home when you are sick
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms
• Wash your hands or use alcohol based hand sanitizer frequently
• Cover your cough/sneeze
• Maintain social (physical) distancing
• Wear a mask
• Do not travel unless necessary

As second dose appointments ramp up, we will eventually see a slow return to the normal we all know, but not right now. After you are vaccinated, continue to follow the fundamentals and limit your contact with others.

If you have specific questions about life after your vaccine, please visit.