How soon can you get vaccinated after having COVID-19? Here's what health experts say
US health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated, as research teams try to learn more about a highly mutated new coronavirus variant identified by South African scientists. (Eli Jordan FOX 5 Atlanta )
ATLANTA - The COVID-19 omicron variant is infecting a record number of people in Georgia and across the U.S.
Just before Christmas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the omicron variant was the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S.
In Georgia, the volume of data has overwhelmed public health officials and hospitalizations are spiking from the volume of reported positive tests for COVID-19.
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The Georgia Department of Public Health announced two mass-testing sites are opening in metro Atlanta, and more sites are possibly on the way.
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People recently infected with COVID-19 may be curious when it's safe and effective for them to get a vaccine or possibly a booster dose. Here are public health officials' responses to common questions:
How soon can I get vaccinated after being infected with COVID-19?
You will need to postpone your vaccination appointment until your symptoms resolve if you test positive for COVID-19.
The CDC says people known to have SARS-CoV-2 should wait to be vaccinated until they meet the criteria to discontinue isolation.
Officials recommend ending isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours. Officials recommend wearing a mask at home and in public for 5 additional days after isolation ends. Traveling and going places where you are unable to wear a mask — such as a restaurant or gym — is discouraged.
The CDC says this guidance applies to someone who is sick at any point during their vaccination series.
Negative antigen test results should be treated as presumptive.
Do I need a vaccine if I had COVID-19?
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after COVID-19 infection can boost your immune system more, the CDC says.
A study in Kentucky in 2020 showed that full vaccination provided subjects with extra protection from severe illness due to COVID-19 even if they were previously infected.
To find a COVID-19 vaccination location, visit dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine.