People across the world are wondering what privileges they will have and what restrictions will stay in place once they’ve been vaccinated. As of March 9, 2021, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) released new guidelines regarding vaccinations. Here’s what we know:
You are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks post your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. If you plan on getting the one-dose (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, the 2 weeks must also pass before you are fully vaccinated. The CDC has made it very clear that if it has been less than 2 weeks, or you have not received your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Continue taking all necessary precautions until the suggested time limit.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
As recommended by the CDC:
You are allowed to gather indoors with fully vaccinated people sans a mask.
You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household (for example visiting with relatives who live together) without masks unless any of the people they live with has a heightened risk for severe illness from the COVID-19 virus.
If you have been in close proximity with or around someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, you do not need to keep your distance from others or get tested unless you are showing symptoms. But if you live in a group home and you are or have been around someone who has COVID-19, you should maintain social distancing protocol and isolate yourself from others for a full 2 weeks (14 days).
What rules will remain in place?
Still take responsible precautions to protect yourself and those around you. Wear a mask, and stay 6 feet away from others in public. The CDC suggests that you must also stay away from large crowds of people and badly ventilated spaces. Take these rules most seriously whenever you are:
In public
Meeting with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
Visiting with an unvaccinated person at high-risk who lives with another high-risk person.
Avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.
Wait to travel. If you choose to travel, you will still need to abide by regular COVID-19 and CDC guidelines.
Keep your eyes open for any COVID-19 symptoms. More so if you have been around someone who shows symptoms or is sick.
If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, the CDC recommends you get tested, stay home, and keep away from others.
If you work at a business in person, maintain social distancing guidelines.
We know a lot more than we did a year ago, but scientists are still learning:
Coronavirus vaccines are working to prevent the COVID-19 illness, a particularly worse illness, and death.
Scientists are still learning about the effectiveness the vaccine has against new variants - data shows that the vaccine protects more against certain variants than others.
Following social distancing rules still helps to prevent catching the virus.
Scientists are investigating how well the vaccine works against the disease spreading.
The CDC says that they are still determining how long the vaccines can protect people from the virus.
A good source to use for more info is the CDC - the website provides you with all of the necessary precautions you should be taking to protect yourself and others.
Although most of these new guidelines provide more breathing room, you are still expected to wear a mask in public, keep your distance in public, avoid medium to large gatherings, and wash your hands frequently.
Works Cited
CDC. 9 Mar. 2021, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 2021.
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