Doctors Remind Those Who Receive COVID Vaccine To Continue Being Cautious

Doctors continue to warn people that being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus is not a golden ticket to normalcy; CBS2's Jessica Layton reports.

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Video Transcript

- A reminder from doctors tonight. Being fully vaccinated is not a golden ticket to normalcy.

- So what does it mean? CBS2's Jessica Layton has some answers.

SUZANNE CARTER: I was not going to be turned away.

JESSICA LAYTON: Cancer survivor Suzanne Carter has been terrified of contracting COVID. For four weeks, the Forrest Hills woman fought to find an appointment for the vaccine and finally got her shot on Wednesday.

SUZANNE CARTER: I know now that if and when I get COVID that I have a far greater chance of survival. I also understand that being inoculated today does not make me safe today.

JESSICA LAYTON: Doctors wish all patients had that same cautious mentality, not the false sense of security they're seeing.

NIKET SONPAL: When people decide to take risks after the first dose, they're still very likely to contract the virus.

JESSICA LAYTON: Dr. Niket Sonpal reminds us it takes up to a month after that second dose to achieve the 95% protection, important for those thinking of gathering in a group, seeing the grandparents, or planning a getaway.

NIKET SONPAL: Once you've had both doses of the vaccine and a month has gone by, only travel if you absolutely have to.

JESSICA LAYTON: So my parents, late 60s, early 70s, both just got the vaccine. Can I see them?

NIKET SONPAL: Once it's been about a month after the second dose, you can still see them as long as you are also vaccinated.

JESSICA LAYTON: Doctors say we should prepare to wear masks and protective social distancing for another year or so, that way scientists have time to make sure the vaccine is working against new variants. Suzanne may never feel fully confident again, but hopes to breathe a little easier after she gets her second dose in three weeks.

SUZANNE CARTER: I'm still not going to restaurants. I'm not looking to get on an airplane. I'm simply looking to survive.

JESSICA LAYTON: A simple request in the midst of what is still very much a public health crisis. Jessica Layton, CBS 2 News.

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