Fully Vaccinated: Do's and Don'ts

Fully Vaccinated: Do's and Don'ts

Vaccine supply and distribution continue to increase. That means more people have been or are in the process of getting vaccinated. Many are wondering what changes after they're fully vaccinated - what should they do and not do?

The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, which is good for preventing disease and severe illness. However, it still remains unclear if those vaccinated can transmit the disease to those who are not vaccinated. In addition, we are still learning how effective the vaccine is against variants of the virus. It's important to keep up with the preventive measures we have all been practicing during the pandemic. Getting vaccinated doesn’t yet mean a return to pre-pandemic ways. 

For those who have been fully vaccinated, there are some things you can do more safely. The CDC has come out with guidance for things people can do if they are fully vaccinated. This should change/evolve as more people continue to get vaccinated.

What's changed if you've been vaccinated

Guidance for the general public.

  • You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
  • You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
  • If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. (However, if you live in a congregate setting and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms).

It's important to note that having had COVID-19 and having recovered is not the same thing as being fully vaccinated. The above guidelines apply to those who have been fully vaccinated.

Post-vaccine life: Explained (Part 1)

What's changed if you live in congregate living

Including on-campus housing.

The guidelines for the general population (to the left) do not currently apply to those living in congregate housing, including students living in on-campus housing. Even if you have been vaccinated you should still continue to:

  • Follow local public health ordinances such as wearing a face-covering or physical distancing and continue washing hands frequently. (If you live on campus, you should wear a face covering that covers both the nose and mouth unless you are inside your room, brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or eating).
  • Self-sequester for ten days when you move in or when you return from a trip. You may also still be asked to self-sequester if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are directed to do so by UHS.
  • Only interact with others within your residential household grouping when indoors.

What hasn't changed if you've been vaccinated

Guidance for now.

  • You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart, and avoiding crowds, gatherings, and poorly-ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:

  • You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.
  • You will still need to follow the guidance at your workplace.