What can I do once I’m fully vaccinated?

ICSI Writer

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna vaccines)
  • 2 weeks after a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)

If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected.

Benefits of Vaccination

  • Gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart.
  • Gather indoors with unvaccinated people of any age from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks or staying 6 feet apart, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • You can gather or conduct activities outdoors without wearing a mask except in certain crowded settings and venues.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
    • Exception to above: if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

New guidance from the CDC on April 27, 2021 regarding travel:

  • Fully vaccinated people traveling in the United States do not need to get tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel.
  • International travel:
    • Fully vaccinated people do not need to get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination)
    • You still need to show a negative test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding an international flight to the United States.
    • You should still get tested 3-5 days after international travel.
    • You do NOT need to self-quarantine after arriving in the United States.

Continued Precautions

Fully vaccinated individuals should still continue to:

  • Protect themselves and others in many situations by wearing a mask that fits snugly against the sides of your face and doesn’t have gaps. Take this precaution whenever you are:
    • In indoor public settings
    • Gathering indoors with unvaccinated people (including children) from more than one other household
    • Visiting indoors with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk
  • Avoid indoor large gatherings
  • Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.
  • People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken the immune system, should talk to their healthcare provider to discuss their activities. They may need to keep taking all precautions to prevent COVID-19.

Sources

Updated: May 5, 2021