Although currently available vaccines are very effective against symptomatic diseases, it takes about two weeks after the second dose to provide that high level of protection, according to infectious disease experts. With some lawmakers coming to light shortly after their first or second shot, those experts say it’s not surprising they became infected after what has been described as a “superspreader” event.
Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (DN.J.), Adriano Espaillat (DN.Y.), Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) And Lou Correa ( D-Calif.) Have all reported positive test results since Jan. 6.
It’s impossible to know exactly when and where these members of Congress became infected, especially since someone can pick up the virus for up to 14 days before getting a positive test. However, experts say that day in the Capitol was likely very risky for viral transmission.
Dr. Simone Wildes, infectious diseases physician and ABC News employee, described the day as “the classic situation we tell everyone to avoid … a small room with a lot of people, poor ventilation, no masks to wear.”
“We think of that as a superspreader event,” said Wildes.
Some of these lawmakers now blame their colleagues for risky exposure during the riot, reporting hiding in rooms with multiple Republican lawmakers who refused to wear a mask. Video of lawmakers, some without masks and close to each other, hiding together during the Jan. 6 events, was posted by Punchbowl News. The video saw some members of Congress, including Rep. Markwayne Mullin, refused to accept a mask when it was presented.
Congressional attending physician Dr. Brian Monahan, notified all lawmakers of possible virus exposure and advised that every person there that day should get tested.
Many lawmakers who tested positive after Jan. 6 had already received one or two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, this does not guarantee complete protection, especially in a very risky situation.
Coleman, Jayapal and Schneider had only received one of the two required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. After receiving one dose of the vaccine, research from the experimental studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that a person is likely only about 50% protected.
Espaillat had received both doses of the vaccine. He reported that he had received the second dose the same week as the riot. Once someone gets their second dose of the vaccine, it takes time for immunity to develop. The Moderna vaccine achieves 94% effectiveness two weeks after the second dose, and the Pfizer vaccine reaches 95% effectiveness one week after the second dose.
“I got the second dose of the # COVID19 vaccine last week and I understand [effects] take your time, “Espaillat wrote on his Twitter.” I am regularly tested, wear my mask and follow recommended guidelines ”.
If Espaillat had been exposed to the virus on January 6 and received his second dose of the vaccine that same week, he may not have had maximum protection yet.
Wildes stressed that even people fully vaccinated with both doses are still at risk of contracting the virus. The vaccines are about 95% effective, according to the companies, meaning that about 5% of people who get the vaccine can still develop symptomatic illnesses after exposure. Also, other groups of people, such as those who are immunocompromised, may not develop as much immunity.
“We do get prevention when we get the vaccine, but it’s not 100%,” said Wildes. She also pointed out that some things are still unknown. For example, the large clinical trials showing the effectiveness of the vaccines have only been tested to see if the vaccines work to prevent COVID-19 disease with visible symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.
But about 59% of COVID-19 transmission comes from people who don’t have symptoms, according to a study by CDC researchers published in JAMA Network Open, and scientists still don’t have a clear understanding of how effectively the vaccine blocks asymptomatic diseases.
That may mean that “you can still harbor the virus and potentially spread it to others,” Wildes said.
This is why public health experts say that even after both shots, people should continue to wear masks and keep their distance socially until science provides better answers about asymptomatic transmission after vaccination.
“Even if you have been vaccinated, it does not mean you should drop your guard,” said Wildes.
Rose Marie Leslie, MD, is a primary family medicine resident of the University of Minnesota Medical School and an employee of the ABC News Medical Unit.