If you’ve been vaccinated, could you still spread the virus? Here’s what an expert says

If you’ve been vaccinated, could you still spread the virus? Here’s what an expert says

As COVID-19 immunisation continues across the world, many people are still unclear as to what vaccines mean for transmission.

Deborah Fuller, a microbiologist, answers three questions about transmission post-vaccine and whether new variants could affect this.

Vaccination doesn't 100% prevent you from getting infected, but it does reduce the chance of catching it or falling seriously ill.

If a vaccinated person catches COVID-19, the chances of transmitting it are lower, due to the reduction of viral load that can be passed on.



So you've gotten your coronavirus vaccine, waited the two weeks for your immune system to respond to the shot and are now fully vaccinated. Does this mean you can make your way through the world like the old days without fear of spreading the virus? Deborah Fuller is a microbiologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine working on coronavirus vaccines. She explains what the science shows about transmission post-vaccination - and whether new variants could change this equation.

1. Does vaccination completely prevent infection?

The short answer is no. You can still get infected after you've been vaccinated. But your chances of getting seriously ill are almost zero.

Many people think vaccines work like a shield, blocking