The CDC guidance vaccinated people have been waiting for is finally in. Here’s what vaccination means for people described as “fully vaccinated.”
First, you can be indoors with other vaccinated people without having to wear a mask. And you don’t have to be concerned about whipping out your social distancing tape measure. According to the CDC, if you’re fully vaccinated– that means dosed twice in the case of the Pfizer vaccine– you’re considered at low risk for severe disease.
According to the CDC, you are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks have passed since your last required dose of vaccine.
People being vaccinated want to know whether they will be able to finally get out of the house once they’re fully vaccinated and get back to doing things like hopping on planes to visit relatives– things they used to do before Covid-19 swept over the world.
“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a written statement.
Less than 10% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated, officials say.
Does this new guidance mean you can toss the mask? Not at all. The CDC still recommends that everyone– including those who are fully vaccinated– continue following the established safety protocols when out in public. And if after you’re fully vaccinated you develop symptoms that could be related to COVID-19, the CDC says get tested.
The guidance was announced on Monday.
