*OUTDATED*New CDC Recommendations on Masking for Fully Vaccinated People
THIS BLOG POST IS NOW OUTDATED
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are fully vaccinated can resume activities they did before the pandemic.
What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:
· 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
· 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. You will still need to wear a mask on public transportation and in healthcare settings.
What if I am immune compromised?
If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.
What if I am fully vaccinated but start to feel sick?
Even if you are fully vaccinated, you should still 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.
Does this new guidance mean that I cannot or should not wear a mask anymore?
No. If you still wish to wear a mask, you can. It may take time for people to feel comfortable getting back to “normal” and that is ok. Some businesses or organizations may require you to continue wearing a mask. There is still a large portion of our community who is unvaccinated, including small children. You can continue to wear a mask if you live with anyone who is at high risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
What do we know about the current COVID-19 vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. They reduce the risk of people spreading COVID-19.