I REALLY wish people would get smarter on #COVID19 vaccines.

[augieray@mastodon.social]

I REALLY wish people would get smarter on #COVID19 vaccines.

1. They are quite effective against death after infection, and increasing research suggests they reduce Long COVID and other chronic risks following infection.

2. They are weakly effective against infection and protection fades within months after a jab.

What this means: 1/3

[augieray@mastodon.social]

1. You need to consider getting vaccinated regularly as recommended (for as long as it is permitted in the US). This keeps you safe from the most serious consequences of infection.

2. The fact you're vaccinated does NOT mean you can ignore the risks of COVID infection, particularly during surges. Care is still important.

3. And if you haven't been vaccinated in two or three years, you are taking unnecessary risks.

2/3

[augieray@mastodon.social]

A study on the 2024/25 vaccine found, after a median period of 172 days, that vaccine effectiveness (VE) against infection was a meager 16.60%. VE declined from 60 120 days against infection from 31.28% to 22.44%.

Vaccines help. They are important for your long-term health. But they are not a magic shield against infection. Every time you're infected, you're a risk to those around you, and each reinfection adds to the risk you'll be left with chronic Long COVID illness.

https://econpapers.repec.org/article/natnatcom/v_3a17_3ay_3a2026_3ai_3a1_3ad_3a10.1038_5fs41467-025-67796-0.htm

[dtm@mastodon.cc]

@augieray I have gotten vaccinated every year since they were introduced, except this one because I lost my health insurance and didn’t want to pay $250 for the shot. It’s not a gimme. I did get my flu shot, which still cost me $75.

[wry@mstdn.social]

@augieray I'm still waiting for my promised 5G upgrade.