The CDC states that people who are fully vaccinated can travel

It also recommends that those who have not been fully immunized delay domestic travel. The updated travel advice comes just days after CDC director Rochelle Walensky reminded the public that mask-wearing is still essential and that the U.S. was not safe.

Fully vaccinated is when two weeks have passed since the vaccine was administered. For those who were immunized using the Pfizer vaccine or Moderna, that is two shots. Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients will receive one shot. According to studies, it takes two weeks for the body to produce a full immune response regardless of the vaccine.

As of April 2, 2021, more than 50 million people have received the COVID-19 vaccine. The evidence continues to support the fact that the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations offer high levels of protection from the coronavirus. Research shows that there is a low risk of people who have been vaccinated spreading the disease. There is a very small chance that people who have been vaccinated could spread the disease.

This is great news for those who wish to travel, but it’s not good for the airline industry or tourist destinations. People are still unsure about what they should and shouldn’t do. As an infectious diseases doctor, I have received many questions from patients and friends about what they can do after being vaccinated. Do vaccinated individuals need to wear masks and socially isolate themselves?

According to CDC guidelines, if you have received both doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines within the last two weeks, you may visit fully vaccinated individuals without wearing masks or socially separating yourself. Even unvaccinated members of a household at low risk of severe COVID-19 can see each other indoors without masks.

If you have symptoms that may be COVID-19, the CDC recommends you get tested. Then, you should isolate yourself until it is proven that you are not infected. Even if you have been fully vaccinated, you should avoid social situations that involve multiple households who are not vaccinated. It would help if you also avoided large and medium-sized crowds due to the increased risk.

Wear a mask that fits well, wash your hands frequently, and keep a physical distance from others when you are outside. It is not recommended to worship indoors in a church, synagogue, or mosque unless everyone attending has been vaccinated.

The CDC states that vaccinated individuals should continue to monitor themselves both before and after traveling and wash their hands often.

In order to stay healthy and vigilant in the face of pandemics and viral variants that continue to spread, we all need to maintain good health habits even after vaccination. It is good to know that we can lift some restrictions which have limited our ability to be with family members. This is particularly good news for seniors, who are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of isolation. And their loved ones who want to visit them.