COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective but don’t prevent the disease completely; unvaccinated people place themselves and others at risk as a reservoir for virus spread
The three COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration prevent COVID-19 hospitalization by at least 89% and are an effective way to protect oneself and others against the disease. However, they don’t completely prevent it. Unvaccinated people facilitate the spread of the virus, increasing the risk of exposure, infection, and severe illness among all the community members, including those who are fully vaccinated.