Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Do Certain People Still Get COVID-19 When They’re Vaccinated?

Breakthrough cases hit the ‘vaccinated vulnerable’ particularly hard

vacinnated but sick with covid

Hospitals across the country are reporting overwhelming numbers of people diagnosed with COVID-19. The unvaccinated fill the vast majority of intensive care unit beds. Have you wondered who is filling the rest?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

That’s a group known as the “vaccinated vulnerable,” says internal medicine specialist Amy Teleron, MD, who treats people hospitalized for COVID-19.

“The vaccinated vulnerable are those patients that have received the vaccine but they have underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to still getting an infection that may still be severe,” she explains.

Let’s learn more about this group.

Defining the ‘vaccinated vulnerable’

The vaccinated vulnerable includes a wide range of people, starting with older adults (particularly those age 65 and above). The list also includes:

  • Those who have cancer and others who are immunocompromised.
  • Those with dealing lung disease (such as COPD and asthma), heart disease and rheumatological conditions.
  • Organ transplant recipients, especially those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Anyone taking immunosuppressants or long-term steroids for treatment.

How do the ‘vulnerable’ get COVID-19 if they’ve been vaccinated?

A vaccination against COVID-19 offers protection against the virus, but it doesn’t mean you won’t get it. Breakthrough infections — infections in people who are vaccinated — do sometimes occur.

The good news? Overall, people who are vaccinated are less likely to be infected, notes Dr. Teleron. And if someone does experience a breakthrough infection, their illness is typically milder without the need for hospitalization or ICU care.

Advertisement

Vaccinations also help reduce the spread of the virus, which safeguards your family, friends, colleagues and community.

People with chronic medical conditions (such as those listed above) may not have as robust of an immune response to vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine, however, helps protect them against severe disease and death.

A COVID-19 call to action

Given that those who are vaccinated have a lower chance of getting COVID-19, the unvaccinated crowd poses a far greater risk to anyone who falls in the “vulnerable” category, says Dr. Teleron.

She encourages everyone to get vaccinated or — if you have gotten your vaccine — to sign up for a booster.

“We’re lucky that we have vaccines available to us, so please do it to protect yourself,” stresses Dr. Teleron. “But if you’re not convinced by that, please do it to protect those that you love – your parents, your grandparents, your children, those that have chronic medical conditions and those that cannot get vaccinated.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Caregiver drying off toddler with a towel in front of bathtub
September 11, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towels?

Wash your bath towels at least once a week, and washcloths at least twice a week

Oversized germs and a giant eye with red in the sclera
August 26, 2024/Eye Care
COVID-19 and Pink Eye Are Possibly Connected

Studies have shown an increase in ophthalmic complications as a symptom of COVID-19

Older woman in bathrobe, holding coffee cup, looking window into the neighborhood
August 13, 2024/Infectious Disease
What Are the COVID-19 Guidelines These Days?

Most people can return to work and regular life when they’re symptom-free for 24 hours

Hand spraying disinfectant cleaner and another hand using disinfectant wipe among germs
August 8, 2024/Infectious Disease
Do Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes are just one of more than 500 products approved by the EPA for protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19

Person reaching hand over shoulder to their back, which is covered in hives
August 6, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
The Usual Suspects: Looking Out for the Top Chronic Hives Triggers

Infections, autoimmune conditions, major life changes, extreme temps and even sunlight can cause this itchy condition

Hands of healthcare provider checking bangages on knee after surgery
June 21, 2024/Infectious Disease
Signs of an Infection After Surgery

Keep the area clean and monitor your incision site for discharge, odor or a change in appearance

Healthcare provider apply bandaid on patient's arm after a shot
What You Need To Know About MS and Vaccines

Most routine vaccines are safe for people living with multiple sclerosis — but be sure to talk with your care team about your needs

Tube of ivermectin paste lying on straw
June 20, 2024/Infectious Disease
Why You Shouldn’t Take Ivermectin for COVID-19

The medication is ineffective and — in the case of animal ivermectin — potentially dangerous

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad