A vaccine is the best preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19. Still, they’re not 100% effective. Here are a few things that can make it possible to get COVID-19 post-vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are incredibly effective at curbing the spread of the virus. Their use has allowed large percentages of people to return to their normal lives, being able to hang out with friends and go to their jobs knowing that they’re safe from the virus.

Is it possible to get COVID-19 after getting your shot? While odds are low, the vaccines aren’t 100% effective and there is a margin of error. This is known as “breakthrough COVID-19.”

Early research suggests that breakthrough COVID-19 is very rare but that a few factors can make it more likely. According to WebMD, the possibility of this can happen if the vaccine was stored improperly, when people have weakened immune systems or if they’re exposed to a COVID-19 variant.

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Errors when administering vaccines are not common, but they include giving too low or too high of a dose, using the wrong needle, or improper storage and handling. According to a report published in April of this year, there were around 160 vaccine errors that were self-reported. The CDC requires healthcare workers to call recipients in order to inform them of the mistake.

People with weakened immune systems should remain mindful of distancing measures and community spread. Studies have shown that weakened immune systems are less likely to produce the same amount of antibodies than immune systems that are functioning normally, making it more likely for people with comorbidities to catch COVID-19 despite taking all of the appropriate preventative measures.

Lastly, COVID-19 variants still pose a threat. The Delta variant has doubled in the U.S. over the past two weeks, and it can be a threat for everyone no matter whether they’re vaccinated or not, especially when community spread is high.

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Breakthrough COVID-19 is unlikely, but it’s still a possibility depending on factors like you’re health and where you live. Still, having the COVID-19 vaccine is the best preventative measure you can take, so it’s important to get your shot as soon as you can and to remain informed.