Addressing the ‘million-dollar question’ about vaccine preventing the spread of COVID-19

Vaccination events for the coronavirus continued this week in Cook County, including an event Feb. 18 for local residents who are age 65 and older to get the vaccine.

As of early this week, 2,062 Cook County residents, which equates to more than 38 percent of the population, have received the first dose of the vaccine. Approximately 400 local residents have completed the series and are fully vaccinated.

As more people get vaccinated in Cook County, one key question remains for those who get the COVID-19 vaccine: Will the COVID vaccine prevent me from infecting others?

Dr. Kurt Farchmin is a local physician at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais. During an interview Feb. 17 with WTIP News Director Joe Friedrichs, Farchmin addressed this question and other topics related to vaccines and what to expect moving forward in 2021 as the pandemic continues. Find the full audio below.

In response to the sentiment about those who get vaccinated still being able to spread the virus or not, Farchmin said it’s still too early to tell and more evidence needs to come in to give a clearer answer. In the meantime, maintaining pandemic protocols such as wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent hand washing are key tools even for those who’ve been vaccinated, according to public health officials in Cook County.

Joe Friedrichs February 18, 2021