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Boosters, delta, breakthroughs, and more

As COVID-19 cases begin to tick up again across the U.S., we know that you have questions about what you can do to stay safe and healthy.

May 20, 2022

We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers in the guide below.

Is the delta variant more contagious than other variants?

The delta variant is believed to be more contagious, which means it is spreading more quickly, than other COVID-19 variants. Important steps you can take to help slow the spread of the delta variant is to get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and avoid crowds.

What is a "breakthrough" COVID-19 infection?

A fully vaccinated individual who still gets COVID-19 is described as a “breakthrough” infection. These cases are to be expected—as we know that no vaccine is 100% effective—but they are rare. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to stay safe from COVID-19.

If the vaccine is effective, why are there "breakthrough" cases?

The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective, but it isn’t a shield that will cause the virus to bounce off you. You can still contract the virus and get sick, but if you do, the likelihood of you becoming hospitalized, having long lasting effects from COVID-19, or to dying from the virus is much less than if you were not vaccinated.

Should I be concerned about getting COVID-19 if I am fully vaccinated?

If you are vaccinated, you’ve taken the most important step to stay safe from COVID-19. While you can still get COVID-19 even if you’ve been vaccinated, you are much less likely to be hospitalized, to potentially have long-lasting effects, or to die from the virus.

When will children under 12 be able to get vaccinated?

Clinical trials for children under age 12 are ongoing. At this point we don’t know when children under 12 will be able to be vaccinated.

Will we have COVID-19 boosters?

At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet authorized any boosters for the COVID-19 vaccines. A decision on this would be required from both the FDA and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before UI Health Care would be able to offer booster doses.

Should I get vaccinated against COVID-19 even if I have already had and recovered from the COVID-19 virus?

Yes. You should still get vaccinated even if you have already recovered from COVID-19. Vaccination provides you with extra immunity and is an important step to keep you safe and healthy.

What can I do to help encourage COVID-19 vaccinations in the community?

One of the most effective ways to encourage people to get vaccinated is to encourage them to speak to their provider.

In addition, you can direct individuals to our website for fact-based information on the COVID-19 vaccines.

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