Now that more people are getting vaccinated, many are asking how safe it is to participate in normal activities like traveling and gathering with friends. After full vaccination, your risk of getting COVID-19 is low. However, you could still become infected and spread the disease to others, even if you don’t have signs or symptoms of COVID-19. So, the CDC has released guidelines on what’s safe after you’ve received the COVID vaccine. Here are some of the low-risk approved activities and ones that you should take precautions for even if you are vaccinated.
Approved Activities After Receiving Covid Vaccine
The CDC states that it is alright for fully vaccinated people to:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors — without wearing masks or avoiding close contact
- Visit with unvaccinated people from one household who are at low risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 — indoors and without wearing masks or avoiding close contact
Fully vaccinated means you must have received both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or wait two weeks after receiving Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Be sure to discuss your vaccination options with your physician.
Activities That May Pose A Risk After Receiving Covid Vaccine
Although the COVID vaccines are effective at protecting against the virus, you should still take precautions when:
- Visiting with people who are unvaccinated and at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- Visiting with people who have an unvaccinated household member at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- Visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households
The CDC advises against public travel unless necessary. It is also recommended to continue wearing masks in public and practice social distancing even if you are fully vaccinated.
Latest Travel Advisory
If you must travel, you should be aware of the latest travel advisory in New York. The state of New York requires all travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state who have been outside of New York for more than 24 hours must:
- Complete the Traveler Health Form.
- Obtain a COVID-19 test within three days of departure, prior to arrival in New York. You can get tested at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers. Just call (212) 686-6321 to schedule an appointment.
- Upon arrival in New York, quarantine for three days.
- Obtain another COVID-19 test on day 4 of quarantine
Asymptomatic individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to quarantine during the first 3 months after full vaccination. Travelers from the following states are exempt from the travel advisory: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont. For more information on the COVID vaccines, contact your local department of health. Alternatively, the allergists at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers have all been vaccinated and can help answer your questions at your next appointment.