Face masks must even after Covid vaccine, say doctors

Mumbai: Taking the Covid-19 vaccine doesn’t mean one can immediately stop wearing a face mask, said experts.

For one, the vaccine’s immunity-building action could take 45 days, which includes taking two vaccine jabs 28-30 days apart. For another, while the vaccinated person may get protection against the Covid-19 infection, there is no clarity on whether he or she would stop transmitting the virus if infected between taking the two jabs or thereafter. “Covid-19 trials studied safety and production of antibodies, but none have looked at transmission,” said vaccine expert Dr Naveen Thacker.

Moreover, none of the vaccines offer 100% protection against disease. “Vaccinated people, though, may could get a milder disease,” said Dr Thacker.

Given the lack of answers, it is best to continue wearing face masks and washing hands frequently to break the Covid-19 transmission. “Covid-appropriate behaviour shouldn’t stop and it is independent of the vaccine,” said Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of the state government’s Covid-19 task force who is now also an advisor in the state’s coronavirus vaccination plan.

It would take three months after the vaccination drive to know the complete effect and safety of the Covid vaccine, he added.

Dr Thacker said during the polio vaccination, it was seen that some older children, who were protected by the polio vaccine, continued to spread/transmit the virus.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters through the nose. The vaccine is given on the hand muscles and no vaccine trail has studied if antibodies reach the nasal mucosa cover.

“There are many unanswered questions,” said epidemiologist Dr Giridhar Babu. “Can children take the Covid vaccine? Is there a need for them to do so? If an infected person takes the vaccine, will the vaccine enhance the antibody protection or be risky,” he asked.

Moreover, there is still the matter of inoculation for people who have already suffered from Covid-19.