Unvaccinated against COVID? Your vaccine and virus questions, answered
As uncertainties loom around the new omicron variant of COVID-19, health experts continue to encourage vaccination as the best step to protect yourself against the virus.
After Colorado reported its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus Thursday, state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said the state’s strategy to combat the virus hasn’t changed, and vaccination remains one of the best tools to combat the virus and lessen the burden on the state’s hospital system.
However, while vaccines were in high demand when they first became available earlier this year, demand has waned over time as those eager to get the vaccine got vaccinated, Larimer County health department spokesperson Kori Wilford said.
Almost 63% of all Larimer County residents have been fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, according to county data. Statewide, more than 63% of residents are fully vaccinated — that’s 3.6 million Coloradans.
Meanwhile, hospitals statewide have been at or nearing capacity for weeks. UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital received staffing help from the Department of Defense prior to Thanksgiving to help meet the increased need.
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About 80% of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Colorado are unvaccinated, according to data provided by the state, and Gov. Jared Polis said last month "it's never been more dangerous for an unvaccinated person than it is right now."
Many have questions about the vaccine that they want answered before they get it. If that’s you, we found answers to some common questions to help you make your decision.
If you're unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, Wilford said it's best to talk to your doctor about your specific concerns.
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I already had COVID-19. Isn't my natural immunity good enough?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those who have previously had COVID-19 still get vaccinated to increase their protection.
Current scientific evidence shows those who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 have a low risk of becoming reinfected in the following six months, according to the CDC. Research has not yet shown how long you are protected from getting COVID-19 again after you recover from COVID-19.
Vaccines provide a more reliable and consistent immune protection, according to a recent CDC study, and they provide additional protection even if you've already had COVID-19.
“Substantial immunologic evidence and a growing body of epidemiologic evidence indicate that vaccination after infection significantly enhances protection and further reduces risk of reinfection,” according to the CDC website.
Scientific evidence is emerging that people who already had COVID-19 and get vaccinated have better protection, according to the CDC. One study showed unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more than two times as likely than fully vaccinated people to get COVID-19 again.
People who test positive for COVID-19 should wait until they’ve recovered fully (after their quarantine period has ended) to be vaccinated. This includes those who have received one dose but not the second or booster.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, the CDC recommends waiting 90 days to get a vaccine. If you're unsure about when to get vaccinated if you've previously been treated for COVID-19, consult with your doctor.
I'm worried about the side effects of the vaccine. What should I expect?
The Larimer County health department advises that, while some people don't experience any side effects, you may feel some side effects in the day or two after getting vaccinated, including:
Pain at the site of the shot
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Chills
Fever
None of the vaccines available contain live virus, which means the vaccine cannot infect you with COVID-19, according to the CDC. Side effects are signs that your body is building up an immune response to the virus, the CDC says.
These side effects are more common after the second shot but can appear after the first shot and often last just 1-2 days. The health department recommends resting, drinking water and taking over-the-counter pain medications if necessary.
Severe reactions to the vaccine are rare, and if you believe you are reacting badly to the vaccine, you should contact your health care provider for advice.
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How do I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is free, you don't need insurance to get it, and you are not required to show an ID at your appointment.
Wilford said the county has worked to make vaccines more accessible by hosting more than 300 vaccine clinics throughout the county.
“We've found that when we make vaccination the easy and accessible choice, people take the opportunity,” Wilford said.
The county health department hosts vaccine clinics daily at either its Fort Collins office (1525 Blue Spruce Drive) or its Loveland office (200 Peridot Ave.), with varying hours. Walk-in appointments are currently unavailable. You can make an appointment by visiting larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine. If no appointments are available, check again later as the county adds appointments when more vaccine supply is available.
Vaccine appointments are also available at various pharmacies, doctor's offices, community clinics and hospitals.
You may need to be patient as you search for an appointment as the recent eligibility of 5- to 11-year-olds as well as expanded booster shot eligibility have increased demand.
I'm not planning on getting or am not able to get a COVID-19 vaccine. What can I do to keep myself and others safe?
Multiple layers of protection against the virus is recommended, Wilford said, including mask wearing, social distancing, increasing ventilation and avoiding large indoor gatherings.
Larimer County implemented a mask mandate in October, requiring face coverings in all indoor public spaces for people ages 3 and older. If people aren't able to or decide not to follow that public health order, Wilford said people can patronize businesses through delivery or curbside pickup options.
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If you're feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, Wilford said getting tested will help curb the spread of the virus in the community. Find a testing site near you at larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-testing.
Catching a COVID-19 infection early can mean someone is eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment, which can prevent severe illness and the need for hospitalization. There are also two oral treatment medications that could be available soon that, if taken early, could reduce the severity of infection, Wilford said.
"Testing plays an important role in reducing suffering, hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 for those who are unvaccinated," Wilford said.
I'm unvaccinated and I've been exposed to COVID-19. What do I do?
If you’ve been in close contact with someone (within 6 feet of someone for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period) with someone who has COVID-19, stay home for 14 days regardless of if you have symptoms, according to the county health department and the CDC.
You should also get a COVID-19 test five to seven days after you were exposed, according to the county health department. Find a free testing site near you at larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-testing.
There are two ways for an unvaccinated person to shorten their quarantine period, according to the CDC:
If you don't have any symptoms, you only need to quarantine for 10 days.
If you don’t have symptoms and test negative after 7 days, then you may return to normal activities.
Sady Swanson covers public safety, criminal justice, Larimer County government and more throughout Northern Colorado. You can send your story ideas to her at sswanson@coloradoan.com or on Twitter at @sadyswan. Support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Unvaccinated against COVID? Your vaccine and virus questions, answered
