Chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan explained that immunized people can contract the disease with a lower viral load and end up passing it on to others
The chief scientist at World Health Organization (WHO), Soumya Swaminathan, warned this Friday, 12th, that some people vaccinated against Covid-19 can still contract the new coronavirus and, even if they don’t get sick, infect others. Most clinical trials have shown that vaccines protect against the development of severe forms of the disease, but it is not certain that they completely prevent infection. “If you have the vaccine and contract the disease, your viral load is much lower, so the chances of infecting other people may also be lower,” explained the Indian expert. Still, Swaminathan warned that even immunized people must continue to take preventive measures. “Until we know more, it is important that everyone, even if they are vaccinated, continue to maintain safety measures: wearing masks, frequent hand washing and maintaining a safe distance,” he said. What is certain, according to Swaminathan, is that after having Covid-19 the patient develops antibodies that last at least six months. In addition, cell resistance is created against potentially affected cells, which, although more difficult to measure, can last for years.
