Yes or No? What Can I Do Once I've Been Vaccinated?

As more of the population becomes vaccinated, how will life change? The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new guidelines to clarify what's safe and appropriate once you've been fully vaccinated. So does that mean you can shed your mask and return to pre-pandemic routines? Not so fast!


The good news is that within the next couple of months, every adult should be eligible for the vaccine. This doesn't mean we stop the healthy habits we’ve picked up during COVID-19, but rather adjust to a somewhat modified way of life. Here's what we know so far:

Fully vaccinated individuals can:

1. Be with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing.
2. Visit unvaccinated individuals (who are low-risk) indoors without a mask and without social distancing.

As of now, fully vaccinated individuals should continue to:

1. Wear a mask in public and continue social distancing.
2. Wear a mask and stay physically distanced when visiting with persons who are moderate-high risk.
3. Don't hold or attend medium to large-sized in-person gatherings.
4. Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Currently, over 14 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered throughout California. And though it is a necessary step in getting the pandemic under control, it doesn't mean it's okay to be carefree. California COVID-19 guidelines state that residents should stay at home unless it’s for work, local shopping or other errands. Face masks should still be worn in public places.

It's also important to note that even after receiving both shots (if you get a two-dose series vaccine) you need to allow about two weeks after receiving the second dose for the vaccine to become fully effective. As more of the population receives vaccines, guidelines may continue to adjust. For more information on CDC guidelines after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, read here.

This article first appeared in the April 2021 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.