COVID Vaccine
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What Can You Do Once You’re Vaccinated?

One of the most frustrating aspects of the vaccine rollout has been how little some media outlets and medical professionals are pushing for the angle of how safe they are. Many articles and reports indicate that the vaccines are extremely safe, and are great at preventing serious illness from COVID-19. However, the messaging remains that even people who are vaccinated should keep wearing masks, keep social distancing and keep living as though they never got vaccinated at all.

This is having a negative effect on the outlook of many people who are unconvinced by the efficacy of the vaccines. If there’s not even any difference in what you get to do when you’re vaccinated, why even get it? This messaging is not working. It is expected that all Americans will soon have access to a vaccine if they want one, and it’s vital for public health that as many people as possible get vaccinated. The CDC seems to be aware of this, and is now recommending new guidelines for people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Small, Maskless Gatherings

The CDC is now recommending that people who are vaccinated will be able to have small gatherings with others who are also vaccinated, without needing masks or social distancing. “I use the example of a daughter coming in from out of town who is doubly vaccinated, and a husband and wife doubly vaccinated, and maybe a next door neighbor, who you know are doubly vaccinated,” says top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

“Small gatherings in the home of people, I think you can clearly feel that the risk, the relative risk, is so low that you would not have to wear a mask, that you could have a good social gathering within the home.”

A Return to Normal?

This news is the first time in a long time that the outlook for coming out of the pandemic is looking up. After over a year of lockdowns making life miserable for everyone, many people are excited just to get back out into social situations with their friends and family.

The country is likely to see a summer that is more like normal than any time in recent months. Between the warm weather pushing case numbers down, masks and social distancing controlling the spread, and vaccines finally hitting wide availability, the US is headed for some of the brightest days in recent memory. Hopefully, soon, the pandemic will be behind us.