False: A fully vaccinated individual cannot transmit COVID-19 to an unvaccinated person.

By: Ishita Goel
May 19 2021

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Numerous reports have confirmed that vaccinated individuals could potentially still get COVID-19 and spread it to others. In a briefing on April 2, 2021, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified that those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 may still be able to pass on the virus. Vaccinated individuals "could potentially still get COVID-19 and spread it to others," they said. Researchers are monitoring how long a vaccinated person is likely to be protected from infection. According to Healthline, studies are ongoing to measuring the "viral load" (concentration of coronavirus particles) among those who are vaccinated to check for infectiousness. Further studies are required to determine whether vaccines prevent transmission. Healthline also quoted Dr. Anthony Fauci's saying, "The degree of transmission from vaccinated individuals will be determined by the infection rate in the close contacts." Fauci hopes that there might be clarity on whether vaccinated people can get infected asymptomatically in the next five months. According to WHO, it will take some weeks to build immunity against the virus after getting vaccinated. One can still get infected and transmit the virus. Speaking to Logically, Dr. Suruchi Shukla, a professor of Microbiology at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, said that a fully vaccinated individual can test positive for COVID-19, but they are likely to face only minor symptoms. WHO has clarified that "none of the approved vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19." Moreover, various claims that state that vaccines shed or transmit the virus. It has been confirmed that a person who receives a vaccine does not shed the virus or vaccine. But, if the vaccinated person gets infected with the virus, they can still transmit it to anyone (vaccinated or unvaccinated). However, the degree of transmission is still being researched/assessed. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.