Life After COVID: What Seniors Need to Know

Here’s the latest on what life after vaccination might look like for you.

We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. People are already receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and you could be in line soon. But what comes next? After you’re vaccinated, do you still need to follow certain guidelines? And is there any risk of complications from the vaccine itself? We’ll take a look at these concerns here.

What precautions should you take after vaccination?

Seniors should continue taking certain precautions after receiving the vaccine. Dr. Fauci expects that masking and social distancing will remain the norm for much of 2021. “We need to get about 90 percent of the population immunized if we’re going to basically tell this virus that it’s done,” says NIH director Francis Collins. It should be safer to let your guard down in certain ways after widespread vaccination of the public has occurred.

The vaccines protect people from developing COVID-19 symptoms, but they don’t necessarily protect against infection, says Dr. Scott Gottlieb. “We’re still going to see people who get sick. There will still be people who die of COVID next winter, but it won’t be an epidemic,” he told CNBC. “People who are vaccinated will have a substantially reduced risk of having a bad outcome.” Thus, those in vulnerable groups should still take care to avoid crowded situations, though spending time with close loved ones will hopefully be much safer. 

If you choose to begin spending time in person with loved ones, it will be wise to make sure they are still following safe practices themselves. Those who have been traveling or going to a bar with friends should probably stay away from vulnerable relatives, for instance. 

How are the vaccines administered?

The vaccines are administered via injection by a trained medical professional. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are each given in two doses, and you must wait three to four weeks between doses. That means after you get your first dose, you’re not completely immune. Keep that in mind in your daily life, taking the same precautions you’ve been following for the past year.

Do the vaccines cause side effects?

Side effects of the vaccines are extremely rare. As of January 6, there have been 29 documented cases of severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis) from a total of 1.9 million doses.

The vaccine will dramatically improve our safety and reduce the burden of COVID-19 on hospitals so that any remaining cases can be treated as effectively as possible. By avoiding unnecessary risks and staying up-to-date on the latest information, we can help ensure a swift end to the pandemic.

Sources

AARP, “When Can Older Americans Expect to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?”

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-distribution/

CNBC, “Dr. Scott Gottlieb: Getting COVID Vaccine Doesn’t Mean People Can Just Return to Pre-pandemic Life”

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/06/covid-vaccine-dr-scott-gottlieb-says-getting-it-doesnt-mean-return-to-pre-covid-life.html

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