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Fully vaccinated? Here’s what you can start doing again safely

Key Points

  • The CDC's latest guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, particularly considering the Delta variant, includes wearing a mask in indoor public spaces in areas of higher transmission, if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is unvaccinated, or if required by local regulations.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals can return to many pre-pandemic activities, such as attending indoor social gatherings or visiting the hair salon, without a mask. However, certain precautions should still be followed, including wearing a mask in local businesses that require it.
  • A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals can safely socialize with others, even if they are not vaccinated, and can travel following CDC guidelines. Masks are still required on all public transportation, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Despite the high efficacy of vaccines, it is still possible, though rare, to contract and potentially transmit the virus after being fully vaccinated. Therefore, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested.

UPDATE: As of July 17, 2021, the latest CDC guidance on masking for fully vaccinated individuals is as follows, particularly with the prevalence of the Delta variant:

  • Wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you are in an area of potentially higher transmission
  • Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system or you are at increased risk for severe disease.
  • Wear a mask if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. 
  • Wear a mask when required by local regulations, including business and workplace guidance.

Vaccines are here, bringing with them hopes of a move towards normalcy in the United States. Nearly a third of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated already, with 45% of the population receiving at least one dose before the end of April. 

As COVID-19 cases continue to drop as more of us get vaccinated in the United States, it's important to understand what the next few months will look like. What can fully vaccinated people do safely this spring and for summer vacation? What activities should we remain cautious about doing, even post-vaccine? Read on for tips from the experts, and please keep that mask handy.

Not yet vaccinated? Find a vaccine near you

Fully vaccinated? Here’s what you can start doing again safely

Key Points

  • The CDC's latest guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, particularly considering the Delta variant, includes wearing a mask in indoor public spaces in areas of higher transmission, if you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is unvaccinated, or if required by local regulations.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals can return to many pre-pandemic activities, such as attending indoor social gatherings or visiting the hair salon, without a mask. However, certain precautions should still be followed, including wearing a mask in local businesses that require it.
  • A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Fully vaccinated individuals can safely socialize with others, even if they are not vaccinated, and can travel following CDC guidelines. Masks are still required on all public transportation, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Despite the high efficacy of vaccines, it is still possible, though rare, to contract and potentially transmit the virus after being fully vaccinated. Therefore, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested.

UPDATE: As of July 17, 2021, the latest CDC guidance on masking for fully vaccinated individuals is as follows, particularly with the prevalence of the Delta variant:

  • Wear a mask in indoor public spaces if you are in an area of potentially higher transmission
  • Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system or you are at increased risk for severe disease.
  • Wear a mask if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. 
  • Wear a mask when required by local regulations, including business and workplace guidance.

Vaccines are here, bringing with them hopes of a move towards normalcy in the United States. Nearly a third of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated already, with 45% of the population receiving at least one dose before the end of April. 

As COVID-19 cases continue to drop as more of us get vaccinated in the United States, it's important to understand what the next few months will look like. What can fully vaccinated people do safely this spring and for summer vacation? What activities should we remain cautious about doing, even post-vaccine? Read on for tips from the experts, and please keep that mask handy.

Not yet vaccinated? Find a vaccine near you

What can I do after the vaccine?

Once you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC says, you can safely return to many of your pre-pandemic activities, like attending indoor social gatherings or visiting the hair salon, without a mask.

Fully vaccinated people can...
Filly vaccinated people should still...

Being vaccinated is a huge relief, but it doesn’t mean life will immediately snap back to your pre-pandemic normal. According to the CDC, there are still precautions even fully vaccinated people should adhere to.

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

The CDC considers you fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 2 weeks after your first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. While you may have partial immunity before then, it’s important to wait the full 14 days after your final dose before attempting any post-vaccine activities (like gathering with fully vaccinated friends.)

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

Mask Guidelines

Do I still have to wear a mask after I’m vaccinated?

After you’re fully vaccinated, you don’t need to wear a mask around other people unless required by your local government. You can also skip a mask if you’re visiting friends or family members who haven’t been vaccinated yet. You should still mask up at local businesses, like many grocery stores and other retailers, who ask their shoppers to wear one.

Do I have to wear a mask outdoors post-vaccine?

You don’t need to wear a mask outdoors, unless you’re in a crowded space like a busy sports venue or packed concert. Enjoy that fresh air!

Do I still need to wear a mask at the grocery store or in other public spaces?

According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in public to protect themselves or others. Many local governments still require masks in public, though, so be respectful of your area’s rules. Local businesses like grocery stores and gyms can also ask you to wear a mask, so it’s a good idea to keep one on hand. 

Stay home if you’re feeling sick, and get a COVID test if you’re experiencing symptoms. While the vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19, infection can still occur in very rare circumstances.

Vaccinated people don't need a mask when...
Vaccinated people still need a mask when...

Group Gatherings

Can I gather in groups with unvaccinated people after the vaccine? 

Yes! After you’re fully vaccinated, it’s safe to socialize with others, unmasked and indoors, even if they’re not yet vaccinated. All US adults are now eligible for the vaccine, so encourage your friends and family to get theirs, too. Find a vaccine near you.

Will summer camps be safe for kids this year?

Summer 2021 won’t be back to our pre-pandemic normal, but it’ll be much safer and less restrictive than summer 2020. The CDC recently released new guidelines for summer camps with a layered safety approach that includes vaccinations, social distancing, and masking.

Look for summer camps that are following CDC recommendations, including dividing kids into “cohorts” or pods, with kids interacting only in small groups. Further, make sure your summer camp’s adult staff is fully vaccinated and that they have symptom screening, testing, and isolation procedures in place. The more safety precautions a camp takes, the better they can prevent the spread of COVID-19 among children.

Traveling

Can I travel after I’m fully vaccinated?

Yes, as long as you follow the CDC travel guidelines and the requirements of your destination. 

Traveling domestically is the safest option. Masks are still required on all public transportation, including planes, buses, and trains, even if you’re fully vaccinated.

Traveling internationally poses a much higher risk than traveling domestically, since most countries’ vaccine rollouts aren’t progressing as quickly as in the United States. Check the status of your destination against the CDC’s COVID-19 Travel Recommendations and delay nonessential travel if you can.

    If you do choose to travel, you should continue to wear a mask if required by the destinations you are traveling to, wash your hands, and monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re feeling sick with symptoms of COVID-19, even if you’re fully vaccinated, postpone your trip until you’re feeling better or get a negative COVID test.

    Do I need a COVID-19 test before traveling post-vaccine?

    Fully vaccinated travelers do not need a COVID-19 test before traveling, unless one is required by your destination or transportation provider. You don’t need to quarantine after arriving back home, either, even if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. (If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, though, you should still get tested.)

    General Concerns

    Will the vaccines be effective against new variants of COVID-19?

    Current evidence suggests that all 3 FDA-approved vaccines are effective against new COVID variants, which means vaccines can help prevent the spread of new strains. Scientists are still studying the real-world effectiveness of the vaccines, including how long fully vaccinated people are protected from COVID. All vaccines are safe and effective.

    I was exposed to COVID-19 after I was fully vaccinated. Do I still need to isolate?

    If you’re fully vaccinated, you don’t need to quarantine after a known exposure unless you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. The only exception is if you work or live in a high risk environment like a nursing home. Then, it’s a good idea to get tested after an exposure and avoid unvaccinated people until you get your results.

    Where can I find a vaccine for myself or an unvaccinated friend or family member?

    All US adults and those ages 12+ are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The faster you get yours, the faster we can all get back to normal. Use Solv’s Vaccine Finder to book a vaccine appointment near you.

    How is the US vaccine rollout going?

    As of April 27, nearly a third of the total US population is fully vaccinated, with 43% of the population (142 million Americans) receiving at least one dose. 68 percent of Americans 65 years of age and older are fully vaccinated, with 82 percent receiving at least one dose. View the latest numbers, including state-by-state progress and number of doses administered so far, on the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.

    How is the US vaccine rollout going? (as of May14)

    I’m fully vaccinated but experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Do I need a COVID test?

    Yes. Vaccines are highly effective against COVID-19, but it’s still possible (though rare) to contract the virus and potentially pass it on to others — even after you’re fully vaccinated. If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, find a COVID test near you.

    Questions about vaccines and navigating post-vaccination life? Check out Solv’s COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center


    Frequently asked questions

    • What are the latest CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals regarding mask wearing?

      As of July 17, 2021, the CDC advises fully vaccinated individuals to wear a mask in indoor public spaces if they are in an area of potentially higher transmission. Masks should also be worn by those with a weakened immune system or those at increased risk for severe disease, as well as by those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. Masks should also be worn when required by local regulations, including business and workplace guidance.
    • What activities can fully vaccinated people do safely?

      Once fully vaccinated, the CDC says you can safely return to many of your pre-pandemic activities, like attending indoor social gatherings or visiting the hair salon, without a mask.
    • When is a person considered fully vaccinated?

      According to the CDC, a person is considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 2 weeks after their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
    • Do fully vaccinated people need to wear a mask at the grocery store or in other public spaces?

      Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask in public to protect themselves or others, according to the CDC. However, many local governments still require masks in public, and local businesses like grocery stores and gyms can also ask you to wear a mask.
    • Can fully vaccinated people gather in groups with unvaccinated people?

      Yes, fully vaccinated people can safely socialize with others, unmasked and indoors, even if they are not yet vaccinated.
    • Can fully vaccinated people travel?

      Yes, fully vaccinated people can travel as long as they follow the CDC travel guidelines and the requirements of their destination. Masks are still required on all public transportation, including planes, buses, and trains.
    • Do fully vaccinated people need to isolate if they are exposed to COVID-19?

      Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine after a known exposure unless they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. The only exception is if they work or live in a high-risk environment like a nursing home.
    • What should a fully vaccinated person do if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

      If a fully vaccinated person is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, they should get a COVID-19 test. While the vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19, infection can still occur in very rare circumstances.
    Sources

    Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

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