So You Got Your Vaccine…Now What?

It’s finally happening: Vaccines are rolling out, and immunized people are one step closer to a normal, post-pandemic life. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its highly anticipated guidelines earlier this week for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This means parents and grandparents who’ve been vaccinated and haven’t seen family in months can finally begin visiting with children and grandchildren IRL. With Thursday, March 11 marking the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic, these guidelines are a welcome milestone, and the CDC will release more as vaccine data continues to accumulate. 

I’m Vaccinated! Can I Return to Normal Now?

Before you invite family and friends into your home, be sure you fall under the CDC definition of a fully vaccinated person, currently about 10% of the total U.S. population. “Fully vaccinated” is defined as being either two weeks past one’s second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or two weeks past a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

If that’s you, congrats! Here are some guidelines for continuing to keep yourself and others safe: 

Fully vaccinated people can … 

• Visit indoors with other vaccinated people without masks or social distancing
• Visit indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without masks or social distancing, as long as the unvaccinated people are at low risk for severe illness
• Bypass quarantine and testing following exposure to COVID-19—unless symptoms arise or the person lives in a group setting with unvaccinated people

Fully vaccinated people should still …

• Wear a mask, practice social distance, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces when in public or in any gathering that includes unvaccinated people, especially if you’re not sure if they are or aren’t vaccinated 
• Continue to avoid medium- and large-sized gatherings, such as sports events or large, indoor weddings
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you experience any symptoms
• Continue to delay travel, if possible. Not an option? Read our guide for COVID-safe spring travel.
• Follow all guidelines set by your workplace, or any place of business you visit—they’re designed to provide the widest shield of protection to anyone who may visit them.