As Singapore continues to navigate life in a post-pandemic world, many people still have questions about how COVID-19 vaccines work and what level of protection they truly offer. One of the most common concerns is: Can you still get COVID after being vaccinated?
The short answer is yes, it is possible. However, it’s important to understand why that happens, how common it is, and why COVID-19 immunisation is still a crucial step in protecting yourself and the community.
How COVID-19 Vaccines Work
Vaccines work by training your immune system to recognise and fight off the virus. COVID-19 vaccines do this by introducing a harmless part of the virus (like the spike protein), which prompts your body to develop antibodies and memory cells. These allow your immune system to respond more quickly and effectively if you’re exposed to the real virus.
However, no vaccine offers 100% protection. Similar to flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death, but breakthrough infections can still happen.
What Is a Breakthrough Infection?
A breakthrough infection occurs when a fully vaccinated individual contracts COVID-19. These cases are usually mild or even asymptomatic, especially in people who are up to date with booster doses.
Breakthrough infections happen because:
- No vaccine is foolproof
- Immunity can wane over time
- New variants may partially evade immune protection
This is not a failure of the vaccine, it’s an expected part of how our immune system interacts with viruses in the real world.
Why You’re Still Better Off Vaccinated
Even if getting COVID after vaccination is possible, your body will be much better equipped to fight it. Studies have consistently shown that people who have received Coronavirus vaccination are significantly less likely to:
- Develop severe symptoms
- Require hospitalisation or oxygen support
- Die from the virus
This is especially important for older adults and people with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disorders.
For example, during the height of the Omicron wave in Singapore, vaccinated individuals were far less likely to require ICU care compared to the unvaccinated population. That’s the protective power of vaccines in action.
The Role of Booster Shots
Booster shots are essential for maintaining strong immunity over time. Immunity from the initial vaccine doses can decline, especially with new variants like Omicron or its subvariants.
In Singapore, booster doses are recommended for:
- People aged 60 and above
- Residents of nursing homes
- Medically vulnerable individuals
- Healthcare and frontline workers
- Adults who haven’t had a booster in the past year
Staying up to date with boosters ensures your immune response remains strong and ready.
Are Vaccinated People Still Contagious?
Yes, people with breakthrough infections can still spread the virus, although the period of contagiousness may be shorter. This is why public health measures such as mask-wearing, testing when unwell, and isolating if positive are still important, especially in high-risk settings.
If you’re vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, it’s your responsibility to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others, especially vulnerable individuals like seniors or those with chronic illnesses.
How to Reduce Your Risk Further
While COVID vaccination provides strong protection, it should be combined with other preventive strategies for best results:
- Avoid crowded indoor settings during high-risk periods
- Wear a mask in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face
- Test early if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms
- Stay home if you’re sick
These habits, when combined with vaccination, can greatly reduce the chance of getting infected or passing the virus to others.
COVID-19 Is Likely Here to Stay
Experts agree that COVID-19 will likely become an endemic disease, meaning it will continue to circulate, much like the flu. This makes long-term strategies, such as regular booster vaccinations and good hygiene practices, essential for managing future waves.
The goal now isn’t total elimination, but minimising severe outcomes and maintaining healthcare capacity. Vaccination plays a central role in achieving this.
Conclusion
So, can you get COVID after vaccination? Yes, but your chances of falling seriously ill are much lower. The vaccines are doing their job: keeping people out of hospitals and saving lives.
As Singapore moves forward, staying informed, staying up to date with boosters, and practising responsible habits will help keep everyone safe. COVID vaccination may not be a shield of steel, but it’s still your best defence, and a critical tool for protecting both yourself and the people around you.
