LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Las Vegas doctor explains how it’s possible to test positive for COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine.
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“It still takes a few weeks even after your second shot to have the 95% immunity,” says Dr. Daliah Wachs.
Dr. Wachs received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Saturday.
Health officials say COVID-19 vaccines prevent illness but don’t necessarily prevent infection.
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In Massachusetts, Congressman Stephen Lynch tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if someone tests positive within a few weeks of receiving the second dose, it may be because the vaccine hasn't fully kicked in yet.
Dr. Wachs says new variants of the virus could hinder vaccine efforts.
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“We don’t know how extensive it is and we know that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine were made for the earlier variants,” says Dr. Wachs.
The Southern Nevada Health District says second doses of the vaccine are recommended three to four weeks after the first dose depending on the vaccine.
“That process takes a few weeks which is why whatever I did now won't really give me any protection for at least a few weeks,” says Dr. Wachs
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