According to the CDC, 62.2% of adults in Pennsylvania have been vaccinated (37.8% have not). The estimated rate of new cases among unvaccinated Pennsylvanians is significantly higher than the rate for those who are fully vaccinated. In fact, 98% of current COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths occur in unvaccinated people.

Do Fully Vaccinated People Need to Wear a Mask?

Fully vaccinated people may not be required to wear a face mask when visiting hotels, attractions, parks, restaurants, or retail shops.

Businesses and workplaces have the prerogative of requiring masks.

It’s mandatory to wear a mask when taking public transportation.

What If I am Partially Vaccinated?

The rate of new COVID cases among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Pennsylvanians is far higher than the rate for those who are fully vaccinated. The good news is that those who have been fully or partially vaccinated are more likely to experience milder symptoms or shorter illnesses compared to those who are not vaccinated. They are also less likely to spread the virus to others.

I’ve Been Fully Vaccinated But Was Exposed to COVID

If not experiencing symptoms, no isolation or quarantining is required. Just monitor yourself for symptoms for the following 14 days.

If you do experience symptoms, call your doctor.

The Efficacy Rates of the Most Popular US COVID Vaccines

Pfizer (mRNA)

• 95% effective in preventing COVID in those without prior infection
• 100% effective at preventing severe disease in clinical trials
• 95% effective at preventing severe illness or death against COVID from the Alpha (UK) and Beta (South Africa) variants
• 88% effective at preventing severe disease and 96% effective in preventing hospitalization from the Delta (India) variant

Moderna (mRNA)

• 94.1% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID infection in those without prior infection
• 86.4% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID infection in adults 65 or older
• A small clinical trial involving ~4,000 essential workers indicated a 90% effectiveness rate 14 days after the 2nd dose was administered
• Effective at preventing severe illness or death against the Alpha (UK), Beta (South Africa), and Delta (India) variants (rates not published). However, since Moderna is also an mRNA vaccine, the rates are thought to be similar to those of Pfizer

J&J (carrier/virus vector)

• 72% effectiveness in preventing COVID
• 86% effective in protecting against severe COVID disease
• Effective in fighting the Alpha (UK) variant (rate unpublished)
• 64% effective in fighting the Beta (South Africa) variant but 82% effective in warding off severe COVID disease
• Elicited “neutralizing antibody activity against the Delta variant at an even higher level than what was recently observed for the Beta (B.1.351) variant in South Africa”

Where to Get Vaccinated

To find COVID vaccine sites near you, you can visit vaccines.gov/search. Just enter your zip code and click “Search for Vaccines.”

 
Dr. Alan S. Berger is a medical pioneer, published author, lecturer, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist, and noted surgeon. He is also CEO and Founder of Berger Henry ENT Specialty Group, currently in its 40th year of practice.

Specializations include chronic sinusitis relief, deviated nasal septum, snoring/sleep apnea, rhinoplasty, and septorhinoplasty.