What you can and can't do post COVID vaccination
The novel coronavirus has become a tragic part of our lives and currently, there seems to be no escape from it. That being said, COVID vaccines have become our only means of hope and the only way we can protect ourselves from the virus. Since the rollout of the vaccines in and around the world, millions of people have already got themselves vaccinated and many more are looking forward to it.
However, those who are fully vaccinated continue to wonder whether the vaccine jabs provide them the freedom to travel, meet their loved ones and live life like they did before the pandemic hit them.
Vaccination may avoid severe infection, but you can still get COVID-19
The most dangerous aspect of SARs-COV-2 virus is its unpredictability. Some have mild, moderate or severe infections, while others have no symptoms at all. Therefore, during such unpredictable times, vaccinations are the only mode of protection against COVID-19. But if you are vaccinated, it is important to remember that vaccines can provide you with a certain level of protection and can avoid severe infections and hospitalization. However, it does not make you less susceptible to the virus and you can still contract the illness and transmit it to others, especially the most vulnerable people in the society.
That said, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday, issued new guidelines, stating what vaccinated people can and cannot do post-vaccination.
Can vaccinated people take part in large gatherings?
According to the CDC guidelines, the chances of getting infected at a public space such as restaurants, bars, gyms, are much lower after getting the COVID shot. However, CDC advises both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals to avoid crowded areas and continue taking all precautions in public and in large gatherings.
Is it safe for vaccinated people to meet other fully vaccinated individuals?
As per CDC guidelines, if you and your loved ones including your parents or friends are fully vaccinated, it is completely safe to have small indoor or outdoor gatherings without wearing a mask or social distance.
Can fully vaccinated people come in contact with their unvaccinated loved ones?
Given that the unvaccinated people are from the same household and family and carry no risk factors of developing severe COVID-19, fully vaccinated people can meet with them. However, it is always advisable to practice COVID appropriate behaviour in such circumstances. While you may have certain immunity that protects you from the implications of the virus and the symptoms, you can still be a carrier and may put others at risk.
Is it okay to travel if you have received your COVID shots?
CDC guidelines suggest that fully vaccinated people can travel, given that they take all precautionary measures. Experts believe, while traveling is at lower risk for people who are fully vaccinated, traveling beyond borders and to multiple countries can be highly risky, especially when there are new variants emerging everyday.
How likely is it for vaccinated individuals to spread the virus to unvaccinated people?
While vaccination provides a certain level of protection against the virus, it does not mean that you cannot contract the virus. You can still be a carrier. However, according to recent studies, COVID vaccines can reduce asymptomatic infection to over 80% as compared to those who have not received their vaccine dose. However, experts suggest that more evidence is needed, given the rise in the number of variants.
Read more: COVID-19 prevention: Ayurvedic measures recommended by the Ministry of Ayush
What about children? Can vaccinated parents attend to them?
As of now, there are no vaccinations for children below the age of 18, in India.
CDC guidelines state that vaccinated people can meet with unvaccinated people indoors without any mask or social distancing, if the latter is a part of the same household and is not prone to severe COVID infections. While children are less likely to develop severe symptoms, it is safe for vaccinated parents to come in contact with them, as per CDC.
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