, without masks or social distancing. They can also visit with low-risk people outside of their household, such as healthy children and grandchildren. The effectiveness of the vaccines — and their ability to return us to normal — is the most critical message that Americans need to hear right now.. More importantly, they are virtually 100% effective at preventing severe disease after two doses.
We need more time to know for sure, but let's help people evaluate risk so they can make informed decisions. We have to acknowledge that the risk of getting infected — or infecting others — after receiving the vaccine is quite low. Yes, it is remotely possible. But not likely enough that one should be afraid to see their grandchildren.
Fourth, the end is in sight. Polio once disabled more than 35,000 Americans a year. Then came vaccines that eradicated it. COVID-19 vaccines will end this pandemic as we know it.