Although currently available vaccines are highly effective against symptomatic diseases, it takes about two weeks after the second dose to offer this high degree of protection, according to infectious disease experts. With some lawmakers exposed shortly after their first or second shot, these experts say it’s no wonder they became infected after what is described as a “superspreader” event.
Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (DN.J.), Adriano Espaillat (DN.Y.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) And Lou Correa ( D-California) have reported positive test results since Jan. 6.
It is impossible to know exactly when and where these members of Congress became infected, especially since someone can catch the virus for up to 14 days before taking a positive test. However, experts say that day at the Capitol was probably very risky for viral transmission.
Dr. Simone Wildes, an infectious disease doctor and contributor to ABC News, described the day as “the classic situation we tell everyone to avoid … a small space with a lot of people, little ventilation, no masks “.
“We think of these types of events as a superspreader,” Wildes said.
Some of those lawmakers now blame their risky exposure co-workers during the riot, reporting that they took refuge in rooms with several Republican lawmakers who refused to wear a mask. Punchbowl News posted a video of lawmakers, some without masks and being together while protecting each other during the January 6 events. In the video, some members of Congress, including Rep. Markwayne Mullin, were seen refusing to accept a mask when offered.
The attending physician in Congress, Dr. Brian Monahan, notified all lawmakers of possible exposure to the virus and recommended that every person who was there that day be tested.
Many lawmakers who tested positive after Jan. 6 had already received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, this does not guarantee them complete protection, especially if they are in a very risky situation.
Coleman, Jayapal, and Schneider had only received one of the two required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving a dose of the vaccine, research from experimental trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that a person is probably only about 50% protected.
Espaillat had received both doses of the vaccine. He reported receiving the second dose the same week as the riot. Once someone gets their second dose of vaccine, it takes time for their immunity to develop. The Modern vaccine reaches 94% effectiveness two weeks after the second dose and the Pfizer vaccine reaches 95% effectiveness one week after the second dose.
“Last week I received the second dose of vaccine # COVID19 and I understand the [effects] Take your time, “Espaillat wrote on his Twitter.” I have continued to test regularly, wearing a mask and following the recommended guidelines.
If Espaillat was exposed to the virus on January 6 and had received the second dose of the vaccine the same week, he might not have had the maximum protection yet.
Wildes stressed that even people who are completely vaccinated with both doses are still at risk of contracting the virus. Vaccines are about 95% effective, according to the companies, which means that about 5% of people who get the vaccine can develop symptomatic illnesses after being exposed. In addition, other groups of people, such as the immunocompromised, may not have as much immunity.
“We have prevention when we get the vaccine, but it’s not 100%,” Wildes said. He also noted that some things are still unknown. For example, large clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of vaccines were only tested to see if vaccines work to prevent COVID-19 disease with visible symptoms, such as cough, sneezing, or fever.
But about 59% of COVID-19 transmission comes from asymptomatic people, according to a study by CDC researchers published in JAMA Network Open, and scientists still do not have a solid understanding of the vaccine’s effectiveness. blocks asymptomatic disease.
That means, potentially, “you could still harbor the virus and possibly spread it to others,” Wildes said.
That’s why public health experts say that even after both traits, people should continue to wear masks and stay socially distanced until science offers better answers about asymptomatic transmission after vaccination.
“Even though you’ve been vaccinated, that doesn’t mean you have to leave the guard,” Wildes said.
Rose Marie Leslie, MD, is head of family medicine residing at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and a contributor to the ABC News Medical Unit.