UF Health Jacksonville CEO warns you can carry the virus even after vaccination

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – More women in Duval County contract COVID-19 than men, going against the national trend. It was one of the findings announced Thursday by the head of UF Health Jacksonville.

Another important note, UF Health Jacksonville CEO Dr Leon Haley said that even if you’ve received both doses of the vaccine, you can still carry the virus in your nose – and that’s why it’s essential. that you always wear a mask.

For 10 months, UF Health has shared with city council and other elected officials what the pandemic is doing in Jacksonville.

Hospital officials on Thursday revealed that the majority of Jacksonville’s patients – 54% – are women.

Hospital data shows 23,000 COVID-19 patients are black

34,000 are white and 9,000 are another race.

Those who have fallen ill range from infants to a 106 year old child who actually survived the disease.

The average age of a COVID-19 patient in Jacksonville is 38.

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Most of Thursday’s concerns were about vaccines, with Haley pointing out that even with two doses protecting them from developing symptoms, people can still be contagious carriers of the virus.

“The problem is, yes, there is a possibility that you could be fully vaccinated but technically still have a carrier, especially in your nasal passages, which is why the current recommendation is even after being vaccinated to continue to wear a mask. , ”Haley said.

Haley has so far said that most people who have reactions or symptoms after vaccination get them after the second dose. But even then the reactions are not serious.

“They only last a very short time. So you watch less than a day. And I think the only thing people need to remember is that part of that is actually okay, because having side effects means your body is responding. He’s trying to create an immune response, so that’s normal for you, ”Haley explained.

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He wanted to assure people that vaccines are safe.

But even in his own hospital, employees are reluctant to get vaccinated. Only 52% of hospital workers received vaccines, and Haley said it was by choice, not a supply issue.

“We are still working with a number of our team members,” Haley said. “A lot of our nurses are worried, in part because there has unfortunately been misinformation about the vaccine and pregnancy, and we have a lot of young nurses of reproductive age who are very concerned, and we have obviously people who are concerned about vaccines in general. “

Haley also recommended double masking for travelers, especially for those who have not yet been vaccinated.

“Until we can get enough people vaccinated, it’s really important for you to wear your mask and wear two masks if you’re going to travel,” Haley said.