- You’ll still need to wear a mask in public. The majority of the population still hasn’t been vaccinated.
- It’s still best to keep your distance.
- You may have small gatherings with others who’ve been vaccinated but wear a mask and keep your distance.
- It’s recommended that you stick to essential travel only. Vaccination isn’t a reason to start planning your vacation. Other countries have different vaccination timelines and so you run the risk of being exposed.
- Avoid visiting persons who haven’t been vaccinated. If you must visit persons who are unvaccinated, stay at a safe distance, wear a mask, and ensure that the area is properly ventilated.
- You’ll still need to wash your hands often. Being vaccinated doesn’t mean that the virus isn’t still lurking on surfaces.
- You should still be careful around persons who are high-risk. While states have prioritized persons who are likely to be affected by COVID-19, the small percentage of uncertainty about the vaccine’s effectiveness means they could still get the disease.
The Way Forward
Unlike other vaccines, there is still a lot that scientists need to learn about the effect the coronavirus vaccine has on the body. Two key areas they need to determine are how long the vaccine lasts and how often it may need to be re-administered.
Since this information will only become clear over time, it makes it even more essential for persons who are vaccinated to remain cautious when interacting with others.
In time, it’s possible that the coronavirus vaccine could become an annual event just as the flu shot is included in everyone’s yearly health check-ups.
The Final Word
If it seems like many things are staying the same after the vaccination, that’s because they have to. Being vaccinated doesn’t stop you from getting the disease, it only gives your immune system the tools it needs to deal with it more aggressively.
In other words, you can still catch the coronavirus when you’ve been vaccinated. However, the vaccine means you’ll be less likely to have the terrible symptoms that come with the disease and the odds of dying are significantly lower.
As scientists learn more about the effectiveness of the vaccine, it’s likely that the restrictions will be adjusted.
Until then, it’s recommended that even those who are fully vaccinated continue to play it safe. It will be better for everyone in the long run.