They may be uncommon, but they do happen.
As the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread, reports of “breakthrough” infections of Covid-19 are on the rise. Here’s the latest on what experts are saying and what getting sick after getting a shot is really like.
What’s happening: Positive Covid tests are popping up among the fully vaccinated — including members of the New York Yankees and entertainment reporter Catt Sadler, who spoke to Katie about her experience. Still, experts say these breakthrough cases are relatively uncommon, and vaccines are proving effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
What a breakthrough case feels like: Though these cases aren’t as threatening as they would be without a vaccine, even a bout of Covid that doctors would officially describe as “mild” can leave you laid up for days. Here’s an insightful conversation Katie had yesterday with the author of this must-read piece exploring their heavy toll.
Will we need to mask back up? Infections are climbing nationwide, and some scientists say even the vaccinated should consider wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces. Los Angeles has already revived its mask mandate, and other regions in the state may follow. The CDC still only recommends face coverings for the unvaccinated, but these breakthrough cases are heating up the conversation about what’s best in at-risk regions.
Testing push: The Biden administration announced yesterday $1.6 billion in funding for more Covid-19 testing in prisons, homeless shelters, and other hotspots to fight off a fourth wave in states with low vaccination rates. That’s on top of the $398 million the government funneled to small rural hospitals last week.
