Several people in Oregon were diagnosed with COVID-19 and experienced “reduced” severity after receiving both doses of the vaccine.
The Oregon Health Authority made the revelation in a series of tweets on Friday, calling the four who tested positive despite receiving the vaccine “breakthrough cases.” They also announced that overall cases of the novel coronavirus had decreased in the state. However, they still encouraged residents to remain vigilant as the threat of the virus continues to loom.
"As of today, we're reporting 4 "breakthrough cases." Two are in Yamhill County and 2 are in Lane County. The illness in these individuals ranges from asymptomatic to mild. We are working with our local and federal public health partners to investigate and determine case origin."
— OR Health Authority (@OHAOregon) February 12, 2021
“The illness in these individuals ranges from asymptomatic to mild,” local officials confirmed. “Clinical trials of both vaccines presently in use included breakthrough cases. In those cases, even though the participants got COVID, the vaccines reduced the severity of illness,” they added.
The agency said that based on what was learned in clinical trials, they strongly believe that the vaccine will prevent serious complications if you do contract the virus.
This answers the lingering question of whether or not one can still test positive after being vaccinated. At least 38,292,270 people in the United States have received at least one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, with 14,077,440 citizens receiving both doses.
The authority also noted that more “breakthrough cases” were expected as restrictions continue to be lifted.
