Family Support

This is a support page to provide Employees and their Families with Frequently Ask Questions and Resources during the Covid-19 Pandemic

How long before I get the benefits of the vaccine?

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.


How long will the vaccine last before I need to take it again? 

Current data is indicating that it will provide protection for between 1-3 years. 


Does this make me immune to COVID?

NO. The vaccine only significantly decreases your body’s ability to get infected with the virus. It does not make you immune to it. There is still approximately 5% chance you can still get sick from COIVD.


Can I still get sick if I had the Vaccine?

YES. There is still a 5% you can get sick from COVID. Also, the vaccine does not protect you from other viruses or bacterias, which can make you ill. 


Can I still give COVID to someone else if I had the Vaccine? 

YES. You can still carry the virus and pass it along to others. The vaccine only decreases your ability to get sick from it. However, there are current studies going on to see if a vaccinated population will decrease the ability to spread the virus.  


Do I need to still wear my mask?

YES. We do not know yet know whether getting a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people, even if you don’t get sick yourself. Not enough information is currently available to say if or when the CDC will stop recommending that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.


What about all these variants I keep hearing about? 

All viruses naturally evolve or mutate, this is how they ensure their survivability in nature. These variants are not new strains of COVID but a slightly changed one. The good news is scientists believe the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will provide protection to these new variants. They are still studying it but the data is optimistic. 


Will I be able to hang out with my friends and family? 

Unless they were in your social bubble or living in your household, the recommendation is NO. Just because you have the vaccine, doesn’t mean you can’t pass it along to them. 


What is this Herd Immunity I keep hearing about?

The best way to conquer a virus is through heard immunity. When enough people in a population are exposed to a disease (immune) it makes spread of the disease unlikely. This is usually achieved through vaccinations. Think of Polio or H1N1 (swine flu) as examples.  In order for us to achieve herd immunity we will need approximately 70% of the population either vaccinated or infected with COVID-19, that is over 250 million people in the US alone.  Only 1.3% of the population have received both doses of the vaccine so far. As you can tell we have a long way to go. 


If I recently received the first vaccine and I am waiting on my second, what should I do?

San Mateo County Public Health has your contact information and the date of your first vaccine. They will be reaching out to you with a date for your next vaccine.




In addition to the Informational sheets there is a link to an online ‘COVID-19 COMMUNITY ANXIETY SUPPORT MEETING’ https://www.lionrockrecovery.com/online-aa-meetings-and-support-groups that meets on:

  • Monday Mornings - Starts at 8:00a Pacific
  • Wednesday Mornings - Starts at 8:00a Pacific
  • Wednesday Afternoons - Starts at 3:00p Pacific
  • Wednesday Evenings - Starts at 6:00p Pacific
  • Thursday Afternoons - Starts at 3:00p Pacific
  • Thursday Evenings - Starts at 6:00p Pacific
  • Friday Mornings - Starts at 9:00a Pacific