“Data suggest that vaccinated people may have up to a four-fold lower viral load than unvaccinated people when infected with SARS-CoV-2. This means they are less likely to transmit disease, as viral load is a key driver of transmission.”
— Dr. Steven Cersovsky
Editor’s note: The following article has been localized to Fort Carson to highlight the 1st and 2nd Stryker brigade combat teams contributions of 4th Infantry Division with administering vaccinations in Los Angeles and Pueblo, respectively.
By Chanel Weaver
Army Public Health Center Public Affairs
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — With President Biden’s goal of having 70% of American adults partially or fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by July 4, 2021, many Americans are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that lift certain restrictions for fully vaccinated personnel are giving many individuals hope of life returning back to pre-pandemic days.
LOS ANGELES — Spc. Kidanny Serrano, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, administers a COVID vaccine to a Los Angeles community member at the California State University Los Angeles Community Vaccination Center in California, Feb. 18, 2021.
Fort Carson’s 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, deployed approximately 220 Soldiers to Los Angeles to assist the state of California and FEMA in administering 300,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to members of the Los Angeles community from Feb. 16 to April 11, 2021, at the California State University, Los Angeles, Community Vaccination Center. Additionally, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., deployed nearly 140 Soldiers to Pueblo for vaccination operations April 12, 2021. The DOD COVID-19 response operations have helped to achieve maximum vaccination and help communities in need.
In compliance with CDC guidelines, many Army installations are also lifting restrictions for fully vaccinated personnel. These individuals can resume activities without wearing a mask, except where local policies require mask use; travel domestically without testing or quarantining; and avoid quarantine if exposed to a person with COVID-19.
So, what is a fully vaccinated person? Army physicians offered this definition:
“An individual is considered fully vaccinated when they have completed the required number of doses for the vaccine type they are receiving, and a minimum of two-weeks has passed since their final dose of the vaccine was received,” said Dr. Raul Mirza, director of the Clinical Public Health Directorate at the Army Public Health Center.
Although rates of COVID-19 infection are at levels not seen since early in the pandemic, Army public health experts say vigilance is still needed to sustain control of COVID-19 and to prevent future surges.
“Fully vaccinated individuals should continue to isolate if they develop COVID-19 symptoms and stay at home if they’re sick,” said Dr. Steven Cersovsky, deputy director of the Army Public Health Center. “They should also respect local and business policies; respect others’ personal decision to continue to wear a mask or stay distanced; and take steps to protect themselves and others while travelling, such as wearing a mask when using public transportation.”
Army experts said some workplaces may need to maintain certain rules, depending on the circumstance.
“Supervisors may make exceptions to require vaccinated personnel to wear face masks as necessary to ensure a safe work environment,” said Mirza.
Although many studies demonstrate that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are 94 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 infection, the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated.
Army experts also said people who have underlying medical conditions may also need to take additional precautions.
“People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system should talk to their health care provider to discuss their activities,” said Mirza. “They may need to keep taking precautions, including masking and social distancing, to prevent COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.”
Army experts said personnel who are not fully vaccinated must continue to follow applicable mask guidance, including continuing to wear masks indoors.
“Wearing a mask has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone to reduce COVID-19 transmission,” said Mirza.
Additionally, public health professionals said many studies show that those who have been vaccinated have a smaller chance of spreading COVID-19 to other individuals.
“Data suggest that vaccinated people may have up to a four-fold lower viral load than unvaccinated people when infected with SARS-CoV-2,” said Cersovsky. “This means they are less likely to transmit disease, as viral load is a key driver of transmission.”
Cersovsky also stated that occurrence of asymptomatic infection among vaccinated trial participants was approximately two-thirds lower after their first dose than those who received the placebo.
“This is further strong evidence that vaccination greatly reduces transmission,” he said.
For more information on guidance for vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals visit:
- Army Public Health Center, https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/campaigns/covid19/Pages/default.aspx
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
The Army Public Health Center focuses on promoting healthy people, communities, animals and workplaces through the prevention of disease, injury and disability of Soldiers, military retirees, their Families, veterans, Army civilian employees and animals through population-based monitoring, investigations and technical consultations.