CDC releases post-vaccination COVID-19 recommendations

Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can begin to gather amongst themselves according to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A section of the CDC website says that two weeks after receiving a the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after receiving the Johnson & Johnson shot a patient can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. Fully vaccinated people can also gather indoors with unvaccinated members of one other household without masks unless any of those people are anyone they live with is at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

When a vaccinated person comes into contact with someone who has COVID-19, they are not required to stay away from others or get tested unless they show symptoms. This does not apply in group settings like a correctional or detention facility or group home, the site says.

Those who have been fully vaccinated should still take steps to protect themselves and others such as wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and avoiding crowds and unventilated spaces. The fully vaccinated should also avoid medium or large gatherings, delay domestic and international travel, watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, and follow guidance from their workplaces, according to the site.

The CDC says that the world is still learning how effective the vaccines are against emerging COVID-19 variants, how they keep people from spreading the disease, and how long the vaccines can protect people.