VACCINES Q&A
Q: How long does protection last?
A: It is unknown how long an individual is protected after the covid19 vaccination. Vaccine studies are following participants for at least two years to better understand duration of immunity.
Q: Will I need a booster vaccine?
A: It is possible individuals will need a booster, especially with emerging “variants of concern.” Early studies are showing possible decreased vaccine efficacy against some variants.
Q: Are the vaccines live? Can it change your DNA?
A: Neither of the mRNA vaccines nor the viral vector vaccine contains live virus. mRNA never enters the nucleus of a cell, where DNA is kept; it does not change the DNA.
Q: How can the vaccine change your DNA?
A: The mRNA vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) do not contain live virus. The viral vector vaccine (Janssen) does not contain live virus either, rather a inactivated adenovirus that carries the instructions to our cells to produce the spike protein and stimulate an immune response.
Q; Do the vaccines prevent asymptomatic infection and spread?
A: It is unknown if the vaccines prevent asymptomatic infection or prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from individuals who were vaccinated but develop infection anyway. It is possible those who have been vaccinated may still get asymptomatic infection and spread the virus, but it likely occurs less in vaccinated individuals. More studies are needed to see to what extent vaccines prevent viral shedding and transmission, especially in those with asymptomatic infection.
References: NH Division of Public Health Services, School Nurse Partner Call, February 5, 2021 and NH DHHS Provider COVD-19 Vaccine FAQ and
