Way to go on your COVID-19 vaccine! Full vaccination occurs two weeks after the final dose according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A lot of people wonder what they can do once they are fully vaccinated. An infectious disease specialist answered some of the common questions, which we have summarized for you here. Remember information about COVID-19 and vaccines is always evolving as we learn new information, so keep in mind these answers may change in the coming months.
Can I get together with people outside my household who have had the vaccine?
Yes! Small group gatherings without masks is low-risk, if everyone has a vaccine. Keep in mind that it is possible for vaccinated people to still spread the virus, however vaccines protect you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It reduces the severity and decreases your chances of going to the hospital for Covid-19, but it does not completely take away the virus.
Can I see family and friends who are not vaccinated without masks if I am fully vaccinated?
You have a lower risk of getting Covid-19 but you can still possibly spread the virus to others.
“The new recommendations below are based on the vaccination status of yourself and your family members or friends. As we learn more, these recommendations may change.
Fully vaccinated and visiting fully vaccinated family or friends:
- Indoor visits without masks are okay and likely low-risk.
Fully vaccinated and visiting healthy but not yet vaccinated people ages 64 or younger living in a single household:
- Indoor visits without masks are okay and likely low-risk. Although spreading the virus is still possible, the risk of healthy — and particularly younger — individuals developing severe COVID-19 is low.
- Be aware that if older people do get COVID-19, their risk for hospitalization and death is much higher than the risk for younger people. A 60-year-old has a higher risk than a 50-year-old, and a 50-year-old is at higher risk than a 40-year-old. Learn more on this CDC page explaining risks by age group.
Fully vaccinated and visiting a single household of family or friends who are not yet vaccinated, and are at risk for severe COVID-19 due to age (65 or older) or health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or other specific conditions:
- All of you should wear well-fitted masks and stay six feet away from each other when indoors. If possible, hold the visit outdoors or in a well-ventilated space to reduce risk.
Mixing two or more households with unvaccinated people raises the risk for getting the virus that causes COVID-19 for anyone who isn’t vaccinated.
Generally, the more closely people interact and the longer they spend with others, the higher the risk of getting or spreading the virus, according to the CDC.
When possible, everyone gathering for a visit can lower risk further by avoiding contact with people outside their household for 14 days before a visit, and/or by getting tested for the virus.”
What if my partner or people in my house don’t have the vaccine?
Wear a mask and socially distance whenever you are outside of the home. It reduces your chance of exposure to the virus. It decreases the risk of passing the virus to your loved ones. All unvaccinated people in your household should abide by the same guidelines. These are wear a mask, frequently wash hands, socially distance, and avoid crowds.
Can I travel?
Even with a vaccine, you should not travel right now because cases are still high.
Is it true that people need to continue wearing masks in public?
To reduce the overall spread of the virus, do your part by continuing to wear a mask in public spaces. You should also socially distance, wash your hands, and avoid crowds.
When can I go to a restaurant, concert, or sports event?
Larger events are a much higher risk. Indoor dining at restaurants is lower-risk for vaccinated individuals. In sum, keep in mind the larger the crowd the higher the risk.