APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Outagamie County Public Health officials addressed common questions and concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine process during a live stream on Wednesday.
As vaccine allocations continue to rise at clinics across the state, Outagamie County Public Health Officer Natalie Vandeveld says to sign up as soon as you’re eligible – even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
“You should still get vaccinated, because your natural immunity may vary from person to person. So the best practic is to take the vaccine when it is available and talk with your healthcare provider if there are questions,” Vandeveld said.
When it comes to the Pfizer and Moderna two-shot courses, the window of time to get the second shot is about 21-42 days.
“We really encourage people being mindful of getting their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, because they really need to make that second appointment. The best time to make that appointment is during your first appointment,” Vandeveld explained. “Really take the time that first dose that you receive, putting it in your calendar, making it a point, so that second dose that’s be allocated to that vaccinator from DHS is getting into your arm.”
Right now, approximately 10% of Outagamie County residents have begun their vaccine series with the first dose. Another 15% are fully vaccinated.
“Initial evidence shows that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and less likely to transmit COVID to others,” Vandeveld said.
But she says it remains unclear just how long that vaccine protection might last, or how well it protects against variant strains that have been detected across the country and here in Wisconsin.
“Some prevention measures are still necessary for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. So we’re asking in public spaces that fully vaccinated people should continue to protect themselves and others – and that would include well-fitting face coverings and social distancing,” Vandeveld said.
For more details and answers of frequently asked questions about the vaccine process, check out the full video below:
