Covid-19 crisis Why are vaccinated people still being infected by covid?
The headline of a news article said - Covid-19: 3 TTSH staff among new cases, including nurse who had received both doses of vaccine.

The question is - why are vaccinated people still being infected by covid?

The answer is - this is the manifestation of the efficacy rate.  If the efficacy rate is 90%, it means that 10% can still be infected. 

Furthermore, it takes some time for the vaccine to be fully effective. The infection could have occurred before that.

Does it mean that vaccination is not useful?

The answer is - vaccination is still useful. Although the vaccination people may still be infected, the virus will probably be mild and will not harm the host. Furthermore, the host will most probably not spread the virus, which is likely to be mild.

We need people to understand that most things are not black and white. There are many shades of gray.  

If we get vaccinated, we will not become complete immune. We may still be infected, but the virus will be much less harmful compared to a person who is not vaccinated.

What about the risk that the vaccine may cause reaction and, in some cases, harmful outcome?

The answer is - a small percentage of people will have adverse reaction. However, this will not apply to the majority of vaccinated people.

While there is a small risk of vaccination, it is overcome by the benefit that applies in the majority of cases. On balance, it is better to be vaccinated.

We need to understand this concept of risk. In everything that we do (including a decision to avoid vaccination), there is risk of harm. We need to weigh the likelihood of each positive and adverse outcome, and take a rational decision.

Tan Kin Lian
 

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