4 fully vaccinated Oregonians test positive for COVID-19

(KION) Oregon is investigating four 'breakthrough cases,' or instances where people who have been vaccinated contract COVID-19.

The Oregon Health Authority announced the cases Friday and said that the individuals experienced no symptoms or mild symptoms.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger with the OHA said this is not unexpected as no vaccine is 100% effective. He adds that the vaccine may help keep recipients from getting seriously ill even if they do get sick.

Public Health Officer Dr. David Ghilarducci told KION none of these breakthrough cases have been reported locally but he wouldn’t be surprised if one or two pop up. He said there’s about a 5 percent chance people can contract the virus after getting the shot.

Health experts say the vaccine is meant to keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get sick.

“We do know that the vaccines are remarkably effective in preventing you from having severe illness or being in the hospital,” Ghilarducci said. ”But there is a small chance that you could still contract COVID after the vaccination.”

Dr. Ghilarducci, who works with San Benito and Santa Cruz counties health departments said recipients will build some immunity after the first shot and then it takes about 2 to 3 weeks to develop a full response from the vaccine.

The Oregon Health Authority is investigating the cases, but still some questions remain around how and when they contracted the virus.

“It is possible that these folks may have had COVID even before they were vaccinated because you can test positive for COVID for up to 90 days after the infection so we don’t really know the details of these cases,” Dr. Ghilarducci said.

This comes at a time when multiple virus variants are popping up across the globe, including some that researchers have found to be more contagious.

Virus Geeks Vice President Jacqueline C. Simon said it’s important not to let our guards down even though the vaccine is here.

“Wear the masks, stay away from groups, wash your hands, keep your hands away from your face,” Simon said. “People need to know this is not a joke, this is serious and we need to all do what we can.”

The company runs a drive-thru testing site at Greater Victory Temple Church, which is located at 1620 Broadway Ave in Seaside, three days a week. The COVID-19 testing site is free to public and operates Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Virus Geeks said there should be no out of pocket costs. Insurance will be billed for the cost of the test and if you don't have insurance, you can still get tested. 

The CDC says people who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 if they have been fully vaccinated within the last three months and show no symptoms.

But Dr. Ghilarducci says even if you're vaccinated, still continue to quarantine if you’re exposed to protect others.

“The quarantine is all about making sure you don’t pass it onto someone else who is unprotected. Once all of us are vaccinated then that risk goes way down,” Ghilardicci said.

Even after getting vaccinated, health officials advise continuing to wear masks to protect others that the virus could pass onto.

“There is a small chance that you could still contract COVID after the vaccination so that’s why we continue to advise on the masking, not so much to protect yourself, but in this case, really to protect others. If you’re fully vaccinated, you’re pretty safe, at least from serious disease or illness. But really, protecting others that you may pass that mild disease onto others who would then have a more severe reaction to it,” Ghilarducci said.

You can find more information about how to register for a test at the Seaside drive-thru site here: https://virusgeeks.com/get-tested-seaside