Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Studies have shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in protection in people who have recovered from COVID-19. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected. 

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. It typically takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. That means it is possible a person could still get COVID-19 before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to build protection. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, or 2 weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. 

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected. 

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways: 

• Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus. 
• Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze. 
• Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them. 

Congratulations to Susie Brown and her dedicated Care Team Members!

Susie Brown came to South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation in January 2021 from another skilled nursing facility. Ms. Brown had a fall that had resulted in head trauma and experiencing

altered mental status. She had been in and out of the hospital multiple times When she came to us she was bed bound and was also experiencing altered mental status. Our therapy team worked with her and today, Ms. Brown looks like a completely different person! She is out and about socializing now and she looks amazing. Ms. Brown has become part of our family and plans to stay here long term.

Thank you Ms. Brown for allowing South Shore Nursing and Rehabilitation for being part of your care. We are so proud of you and the recovery you have made!