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Thursday, May. 6, 2021

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

Jacob Alabab-Moser, Gigafact
yes

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.

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