Breakthrough COVID cases among the fully vaccinated are real. Here’s the latest.

COVID-19 infections are surging throughout the US again (more than 95,000 new cases on Thursday) due to the highly contagious delta variant, with outbreaks particularly impacting areas with low vaccination rates. This week, a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the delta infection has similarly high viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people. So what does that mean as more of these breakthrough cases are happening? 

Currently, 164 million people in the US have been fully vaccinated, nearly half of the country’s total population. The CDC’s research that vaccinated people infected with delta can also easily transmit the virus was the key factor motivating the new federal guidance that the fully vaccinated continue to wear masks indoors. At the same time, the CDC report underlines that the number of cases and deaths among the vaccinated is very small compared to the number among the unvaccinated. 

Should you be worried about getting COVID-19 if you’ve been inoculated? As there is more community spread and more breakthrough cases despite vaccination, new data suggests yes. We’ll explain what a breakthrough coronavirus infection is, how it’s possible for fully vaccinated people to become infected and what it all means. This information comes from the CDC, the World Health Organization and other experts.

What is a breakthrough COVID-19 infection?

A breakthrough COVID-19 infection is when a fully vaccinated person becomes infected with the coronavirus, experiences symptoms, is hospitalized or dies from the infection. A small percentage of fully vaccinated people can get COVID-19 if exposed to the virus, but they’re much less likely to become sick, according to the CDC. 

If someone’s fully vaccinated and does test positive for coronavirus, it’s likely they’ll have milder symptoms (see below) or be asymptomatic, Dr. Clare Rock, a Johns Hopkins medical professor, told me. 

Now that it’s been found that fully vaccinated people can be infected with high viral amounts of the delta variant, the CDC is concerned they can transmit the virus. If you do become ill, experts urge you to isolate yourself to prevent others from getting sick — especially people with medical vulnerabilities.

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How can fully vaccinated people become infected with coronavirus?

Someone can become infected with COVID-19 just before or right after they get the vaccination, as it takes roughly two weeks before the vaccine is most effective. However, even after the immunity builds up, there’s still a chance they can become infected, according to the WHO, since the vaccines aren’t silver bullets against any disease (Moderna and Pfizer are over 90% effective).

With millions of unvaccinated people around the world, new variants will emerge, Rock says. For example, the delta variant can pose a threat to people are fully vaccinated — especially those who have high-risk medical conditions. This can potentially lead to hospitalization or even death (more below). 

Are COVID-19 symptoms still severe if you’ve been fully vaccinated?

Someone who’s fully vaccinated has a much smaller risk of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19. People who have received both doses of the vaccine are less likely to be hospitalized or die than those who haven’t been vaccinated, the CDC says. Vaccinated people typically see symptoms like a runny nose, which they mistake as a common cold, Rock said.

But that’s not to say it can’t happen. The CDC says some fully vaccinated people can still be hospitalized and die. This can include people who have medical conditions that make them immunocompromised, Rock said, including those with cancer and people who have had organ transplants — in general, people who are more vulnerable.

How can you stay protected from breakthrough infections?

If you’re fully vaccinated but worried about getting sick, you can take the following precautions. 

• Wear a mask in public places.
• Practice social distancing from those who haven’t been vaccinated.
• Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows.
• Wash your hands.
• Get a COVID-19 test if you’re experiencing symptoms.

Will fully vaccinated people need booster shots in the future?

At this time, there’s not a clear answer. While some say a booster shot may be necessary in the future, the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration don’t agree — at least not yet. Scientists are continuing to study the immunity of fully vaccinated people to get a better idea of how well the vaccines protect them. 

However, Moderna is currently researching if and when a booster shot may be necessary. For instance, vulnerable people who don’t have a robust immune system — such as those with serious medical conditions — may need an additional shot, Rock said.

Pfizer says it’s working on a booster shot for its COVID-19 vaccine (PDF) to enhance immunity for those who have already received both doses. The UK is also prepping for booster shots, with vaccine experts in Britain saying a booster shot may be needed before winter.

Which variants are the cause of the breakthrough infections?

The variant causing the most concern right now is the delta variant, which is now the dominant strain in the US and other countries. This variant has caused an increase in COVID-19 cases, which is also impacting people who are fully vaccinated. 

In comparison to the alpha variant, researchers have found delta to be 60% more transmissible, and hospitalization risks are much higher in unvaccinated people.

In most instances, the cases are happening in areas of low vaccination rates. For example, US states like Louisiana and Florida have low vaccination rates and their COVID-19 cases are surging again.

What are experts saying about the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19?

The breakthrough infections don’t mean the vaccines aren’t effective. “The effectiveness against severe disease is still substantial,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said during a White House press briefing July 22. “Get vaccinated. It offers good protection against disease.”

The main reason for breakthrough cases is due to the number of people who still haven’t been vaccinated. Once more people are fully vaccinated, it’ll help reduce the spread of COVID-19 throughout the world because the virus won’t be able to infect as many people.

Until then, the virus will continue to mutate and spread, creating new variants. 

For more information, here’s everything to know about the delta variant. Also, here are more details about a potential COVID-19 booster shot and the debate over whether fully vaccinated people should wear masks.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.