Dunn, NC – Health officials say that while the number of people vaccinated in the state continues to rise, do not let the guard down.
Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in North Carolina are declining, but doctors say we need more people vaccinated before we can get together in groups.
Some people who get the vaccine relax social distancing and wearing masks after their first shot, Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CNBC.
“I don’t think people should feel completely safe after the first shot,” Gottlieb told CNBC.
Experts say this is especially true for someone who is older or has pre-existing conditions and may be more vulnerable to coronavirus.
The majority of the population must be immune to coronavirus in order for herd immunity to be achieved and masks to be safely removed. Experts estimate that 70% of the U.S. population (more than 200 million people) should be vaccinated to get herd immunity, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Researchers say it is still unclear whether a coronavirus infection makes someone immune to the virus, which is why social distancing, the use of masks, and vaccines are key to stopping the spread. We could continue to wear masks next year, according to expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.
“We need a lot more vaccinated people,” said Dr. David Wohl, an UNC infectious disease expert. “I am just hopeful [this] daylight saving time will be very different from last time. “
According to recent CDC data, nearly 84,000 people in North Carolina have received their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.