Q. What is herd immunity?
A. According to the World Health Organization, ‘herd immunity” means that the population is immune from an infectious disease either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. The World Health Organization supports achieving ‘herd immunity’ through vaccination, as allowing a disease to spread would result in unnecessary cases and deaths. According to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, in order to achieve “herd immunity” – which means the disease is no longer likely to spread – about 79 percent of Orange County’s population will need to be vaccinated. In fact, it may be more than 79 percent if we find that the virus variants become more prevalent.
Source:
World Health Organization and
Orange County Government
Q. Why are vaccinations against COVID-19 important?
A. To stop this pandemic, we need to use all of our prevention tools. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus, if you are exposed (also called immunity). Other steps, like wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you don’t live with, also help stop the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, while both infection-induced and vaccine-induced immunity last for at least six months, the bigger boost in antibodies and more lasting protection come from vaccines.
Source: CDC documents -
Preparing for your COVID-19 Vaccination,
Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines and
WFTV.com – Immunity from vaccines is more consistent than from infection
Q. When am I considered fully vaccinated?
A. According to the CDC, People are considered fully vaccinated: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.
Source:
CDC – When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated