Currently, one of the most important things a lot of people are concerned with is what can be done after being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Though the vaccine is an important milestone, we do know it’s important not to completely discount safety regulations after the two shots.
So, what can, and can’t you do after getting the vaccine? Here are the official recommendations from the CDC:
Are You Fully Vaccinated?
First, it’s important to establish what fully vaccinated against COVID-19 means. The CDC says people are ‘fully’ vaccinated if they meet the following criteria:
- It’s been 2 full weeks since the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine, such as Pfizer or Moderna;
- It’s been 2 full weeks since the single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson’s one
If you do not meet these criteria, then you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 yet, and you should continue taking the necessary safety precautions.
What You Can Do After Being Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19:
If you were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the CDC recommendations are as follows:
- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings
- In areas with high COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
- To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- For international travel, you will need to consult international travel guides, as well as the policies established by your destination country.
- If you’ve been around someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you still need to take a test 3-5 days after exposure and isolate for 10 days if the test comes out positive. In public, you should wear a mask indoors until you get a confirmed negative result.
The COVID-19 vaccine ensures that should you get the disease, the symptoms you will experience will not be severe. However, you can still transmit the virus to others who haven’t had the vaccine yet, which is why following exposure to someone sick from COVID-19 you should take extra care to make sure you don’t spread the virus, even if you don’t feel sick or have any symptoms.
What You Should Keep Doing, Even If You’re Fully Vaccinated:
Even if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it’s still important to:
- Always follow the guidelines of the businesses or venues you visit, such as wearing masks or disinfecting your hands when entering;
- Follow instructions during travel to protect yourself and others;
- Consult international travel guidelines and prepare for those measures before your travel date;
- Monitor your health for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested if you suspect or are unsure you have the virus;
- If you also have a weakened immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about any additional precautions you should be following
Because of the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to stay informed from official sources regarding the best way to make sure you, your family, and those around you are safe. Even after being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should still excerpt some level of precaution and always check official regulations to ensure you are not exposing yourself or others to any unnecessary risks.
Need to Get Vaccinated? denova Can Help!
Our practice provides an integrated approach to healthcare, and we may be able to help with a variety of your medical needs, from primary care services to behavioral therapy, or even virtual care should you need it.
Additionally, if you want to get vaccinated against COVID-19, you can do it safely with the expert staff at denova Healthcare!
You can book an appointment today using our online form, or contact our practice by calling (602)-230-7373 to find out more about our services or even the COVID-19 vaccination process.
