Fully vaccinated against COVID-19? So, what can you safely do?

Congrats on getting your COVID-19 vaccine! You qualify as fully vaccinated two weeks after your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, or two weeks after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Maybe you’re wondering what you can safely do now that you’re fully vaccinated. As an infectious disease specialist, I’ve provided answers to some common questions. Please keep in mind that information about COVID-19 and vaccines is evolving, and recommendations may change as we learn more. Can I gather with people outside my household who also are fully vaccinated? Yes, if you and your friends or family are fully vaccinated, gathering in small groups without masks is considered low-risk. Although it’s possible that people who are fully vaccinated could still spread the virus, the vaccines are excellent at protecting you from severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. Hopefully, we can start to view COVID-19 like influenza: the flu vaccine reduces flu severity and decreases your chances of going to the hospital for pneumonia, but does not completely eliminate the virus. Regardless of your vaccination status, if you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should avoid close interactions with others. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days before a planned visit, you should refrain from visiting others. Can I see family and friends who don’t ...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Coronavirus and COVID-19 Health Parenting Relationships Vaccines Source Type: blogs