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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Are scientists working to understand the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on transmission of the coronavirus?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
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COVID-19 vaccines protect individuals from contracting the disease, but scientists continue to look for stronger evidence that they can impede transmission of the coronavirus that causes the disease.

The data so far suggests at least some benefit. An Israeli study found that vaccinated people carry a lower “load” of the virus, suggesting a potential for reduced transmission. A U.S. study, awaiting peer review, found that household members of vaccinated health care workers were at lower infection risk than household members of unvaccinated workers.

Results from another modeling study suggest that the initial vaccines may not fully prevent transmission by vaccinated individuals, particularly when the vaccinations begin late in an ongoing outbreak. In addition, uncertainties remain around the roles of asymptomatic carriers, as well as seasonal effects on immunity.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Science brief: Background rationale and evidence for public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people
Science News Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines may block infection as well as disease
Nature Initial report of decreased SARS-CoV-2 viral load after inoculation with the BNT162b2 vaccine
medRxiv Effect of vaccination on transmission of COVID-19: a preprint of a observational study in healthcare workers and their households
The Lancet Analysis of the potential impact of durability, timing, and transmission blocking of COVID-19 vaccine on morbidity and mortality
John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center: Vaccines FAQ
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Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.