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Of the nearly one million Israelis vaccinated against the coronavirus so far, some 240 Israelis have been diagnosed with the virus within days of receiving the vaccine, Channel 13 News reported Thursday.
The figure highlights the need for individuals to continue to protect themselves for weeks after being inoculated, as the body takes time to develop effective antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine is not made with the coronavirus itself, which means there is no chance anyone could catch it from shots. Instead, the vaccine contains a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spiked protein on the surface of the virus and create antibodies to attack if it meets reality.
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But this process takes time, and vaccine studies so far have shown that immunity to the virus only increases 8-10 days after the first injection – and only then to around 50% effectiveness.
This is why the second dose of the vaccine, administered 21 days after the first, is essential: it strengthens the immune system’s response to the virus, brings it to 95% efficiency and ensures long-term immunity. This level of immunity is not achieved until about a week after the second dose – or 28 days after the first.
Anyone who is infected a few days before receiving the first dose of the vaccine or in the weeks before it reaches full efficacy is still at risk of developing symptoms (even when the vaccine has reached its maximum potential, there is still a 5% chance ).
A man receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Jerusalem on December 30, 2020 (Noam Revkin Fenton / Flash90)
Another point to note is that studies have yet to determine whether the vaccine allows a person to carry the disease and spread it, without getting sick: it is possible that if their body is largely protected from the virus after vaccination. , mucous layers in the nasal passages, beyond the reach of antibodies, could still harbor multiplying viral particles.
While these do not harm the carrier – as any virus that enters deeper into the body would be quickly destroyed by the trained immune system – they could still be expelled through the nose and mouth and infect others.
The vast majority of Israelis who have received the vaccine have not reported any problems since being vaccinated. About one in a thousand said they suffered from mild side effects, and only a few dozen people sought medical attention after the shooting, figures released Wednesday.
The most commonly reported side effects were weakness, dizziness and fever, with 319 cases combined, the ministry said. Five also reported suffering from diarrhea. Another 293 people reported symptoms localized to the site where the injection was given, such as pain, restriction of movement, swelling and redness.
Fourteen people said they had allergic reactions such as itching and swelling of the tongue and throat.
In addition, 26 people suffered from what the ministry described as “neurological symptoms,” and 19 complained of a tingling sensation in their arms.
The ministry noted that only 51 people (0.008%) of those who reported suffering from side effects reported seeing a doctor for their symptoms.
According to the public broadcaster Kan, there have been four cases where people in Israel died shortly after receiving the vaccination, but three of the four were tried by the health ministry, as well as family members. and doctors, as unrelated. to blows. The fourth case, an 88-year-old man who had serious pre-existing medical conditions, is currently under investigation.
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