You likely heard that it’s still possible to get COVID-19 even if you’ve been vaccinated. And you might be wondering why these “breakthroughs” happen and if it still makes sense to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine each year. While vaccination doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, your case is likely to be less severe if you do end up getting breakthrough COVID-19.

Below, we explain what breakthrough COVID-19 is, what to do if you have it and why the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus.

What is a "breakthrough" COVID-19 case?

When someone has received the latest vaccine but still gets COVID-19, it’s called a breakthrough case. Usually breakthrough COVID-19 comes with mild to moderate symptoms, but it is also possible for you to be asymptomatic – meaning you have the virus but experience no symptoms at all.

Breakthrough cases are normal. No vaccine prevents against illness 100% of the time – which means there’s a chance that you could get sick, even after getting vaccinated. However, getting the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of getting sick

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing illness from COVID-19, especially severe illness, hospitalizations and death.

So even though some people test positive after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, that doesn’t mean that the vaccine doesn’t work. The vaccines are still the best way to protect yourself and others from the effects of COVID-19.

Are some people more likely to get breakthrough COVID-19?

There’s no way to predict if you’ll get COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. However, there are a few factors that may make it more likely, including:

  • You’re frequently in close contact with people who may have COVID-19.
  • You’re over 65 years old.
  • You have a weakened immune system or a chronic health condition that makes you more likely to get sick.

Breakthrough COVID-19 symptoms

The symptoms of breakthrough COVID-19 are the same as with regular COVID-19. However, if you get a breakthrough infection, it’s likely that your symptoms will be less severe. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to flu symptoms, and seasonal allergy symptoms can look like COVID-19. So, it’s important to pay attention to what your body’s telling you and get help if you’re noticing anything unusual – especially if you have symptoms that can’t be explained by other conditions.

What’s the treatment for breakthrough COVID-19?

If you get a breakthrough case, chances are it will be minor, and you’ll be able to treat your mild COVID-19 symptoms at home. If you‘re at least 65 years old or immunocompromised, your doctor may recommend certain treatments that can prevent severe COVID-19.

6 ways to help prevent breakthrough COVID-19

There are things you can do to help prevent breakthrough COVID-19 and slow the spread of new variants of the virus. Here’s where to start:

1. Stay home if you have respiratory symptoms

If you have symptoms that could be caused by COVID-19 or another respiratory illness like the flu or a cold, you should stay home until your symptoms are getting better and you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours, without medications.

2. Test for COVID-19

If you think you might have COVID-19, get tested by one of the different types of COVID-19 tests. Getting a PCR test at a doctor’s office is the best way to find out if you have COVID-19. At-home antigen tests are also an option, but false negative results are possible. So the Food and Drug Administration recommends doing at least two antigen tests over three days with at least 48 hours in between. If you have two negative results from antigen tests, you’re considered negative for COVID-19. But you should still stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours (without medication) and your symptoms are getting better.

3. Mask up if you want to

Over the past couple of years, it’s become less likely that you’ll find yourself in a situation that requires a mask. But it’s totally fine (and still helpful) to wear a mask even if you aren’t required to. Wearing a mask can be especially helpful if you’ve recently been sick, have a weakened immune system or if respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness where you live.

4. Breathe cleaner air

It’s easier for the coronavirus to spread in crowded, indoor spaces where airflow is poor. So whenever possible, take steps to improve the airflow around you. For example, gather outdoors or open the windows and doors.

There are also things you can do to improve air quality, such as using a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner. If you have a central heating, ventilation and cooling system (HVAC) in your home, use pleated filters and change them regularly (every three months is usually recommended). And when people are over, set the HVAC fan to the “on” position instead of “auto.”

5. Practice good hygiene

While COVID-19 mainly spreads through the air, it’s possible for it to spread through touch – for example, if someone touches a surface with the virus on it before touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Washing your hands thoroughly and cleaning surfaces frequently can lower your chance of getting sick from COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses.

6. Get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall

Since 2023, the CDC has recommended that almost everyone over the age of 6 months get an updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall – this includes people who previously received a vaccine and those who did not.

Getting the latest vaccine boosts protection against the COVID-19 variants that are currently causing the most infections and hospitalizations. Getting vaccinated also makes it less likely that you will have long-haul COVID-19 symptoms that can last for months after getting sick.

Updated COVID-19 vaccines are usually available beginning in September.