The COVID-19 vaccine might feel like the light at the end of a very long tunnel, but it’s going to be a while before we can go back to business as usual. And while getting the vaccine is the first step in regaining some sense of normalcy, fully vaccinated people are also getting infected amid a surge in the delta variant cases. What does that mean for your next vacation? If you’ve steered clear of travel since the pandemic began, here’s what you should know before going back on the road again.
Can You Fall Sick If You’re Fully Vaccinated?
Although vaccination dramatically reduces the chances of you falling sick, there’s still a risk that you can get infected. If nearly everyone is vaccinated at a place that you are travelling to, the incidence of disease will be less. But considering that most of the population has not been vaccinated yet especially in India, there is a high chance that even if you’re vaccinated, most of the people around you aren’t.
Also read: Vaccination Certificates On CoWin To Be Linked With Passports For People Travelling Abroad
The Delta variant spreads more easily than other SARS-CoV-2 variants. Help stop the spread of Delta and other variants by getting vaccinated against #COVID19 as soon as you can.https://t.co/xbvNiaVJKV
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 8, 2021
Are Vaccines Effective Against The Delta Variant?
The efficacy of the vaccines has dropped with each variant. With the Delta variant, one person is at higher risk of transmitting the infection to 5 to 10 people. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are about 88 percent effective. Can It Be Safe To Travel After The First Dose Of Vaccination? Here’s What You Need To Know
South Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Tuesday that it had recorded at least two cases of the new coronavirus delta plus variant, which some experts believe to be more transmissible than the original delta variant. https://t.co/4ngntHjr6C
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 3, 2021
Who Is At A Higher Risk Of Infections?
Amid the Delta variant surge, navigating what you can and can’t do can feel tricky. According to experts, vaccines protect you from severe COVID-19 cases, but if you have other comorbidities and have higher risks of developing complications, you would still want to take extra precautions.
Also read: UK Relaxes Travel Curbs For Indian Passengers; No Quarantine For Fully Vaccinated Travellers
Thread on declining efficacy of Pfizer vaccine from Israel. Huge cause of concern: https://t.co/tzcKWgFhyb
— Prof Shamika Ravi (@ShamikaRavi) July 24, 2021
Conclusion: It is best to avoid travel right now. But if you must, you should still wear a mask, and maintain social distancing.
First Published: August 12, 2021 4:31 PM