So if my research is right, the vaccine does not prevent catching or spreading COVID, it just lessens symptoms if you get it? Anyone else read that? And masks and social distancing still necessary after getting the jab?
What's the point then? Shouldn't only the weak, old and vulnerable get it then?
We just discussed that the previous page...
There is no confirmation either way if the vaccine has a sterilizing immunity (meaning destroying the virus before it establish itself). We need more data to make a conclusion.
We do know it blocks symptomatic infections pretty well though, which is good as even "healthy young adults" can have pretty nasty symptoms. Although there's not enough data on the subject, a milder infection would logically lead to a lesser chance of long term damage.
There's also the fact that old people have a weaker immune system, so there should be more chances the vaccine fail on them. You also have some immunocompromised people that either can't take the vaccine or it will a lot less effective.
You are taking the vaccine to protect yourself from symptoms and protect the vulnerable with herd immunity. The sterilizing immunity would be a bonus at this point.
If I had to bet, I would say it does have a partial sterilizing immunity, meaning it reduces asymptomatic as well, just not 95% like it does symptomatic infections. That's just an educated guess though.