Here's What You Can Do Safely After Receiving Your COVID-19 Vaccine

You have finally received the second dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, it’s time to celebrate right?

**confetti drop**

Even though you may not be able to throw a big dinner party, here’s how you can get together with your friends and family safely!

There are still a handful of safety precautions that need to followed in order to celebrate without infecting you or your loved ones.

So, here a few pointers to keep in mind with number one being, wear that mask!

If you thought there was a chance that you didn’t have to wear a mask on your face when you leave the house, the answer is simply no and here’s why.

The mask does not guarantee 100% protection, we know this.

Even the best COVID-19 vaccines only offer up to 95% protection which means there’s still a 5% chance you could catch it.

Everyone responds differently when receiving the first dosage of the vaccine which is why experts say it’s critical to schedule that second dose in a key time frame and yet another reason why wearing a mask is so important.

Think of it this way…

Scheduling the second shot is kind of like prioritizing that follow up with your dentist that should be scheduled every year to make sure there are no cavities and to keep your teeth pearly white!

Truth be told, COVID-19 has been a moving target, meaning that the virus is currently mutating around the world creating variants that are more contagious.

So let me say this again, mask up!

Another reason why you should be wearing your mask is because you could be a silent spreader.

According to CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, even “fully immunized people may still be able to spread Covid-19 to others” she explained.

The fifth and final reason to keep that mask handy is because researchers are currently unsure on how long the immunity given by the current vaccines will last.

So what about hanging out with friends and family?

We all want to hug grandma and share stories around the table.

Well, if your friends and family members have all received both dosages of the COVID-19 vaccine then the risk is greatly reduced, especially if the visit is outdoors.

We all need more fresh air and that Vitamin D anyway.

“It’s probably pretty safe to see others who were also vaccinated, after everyone gets both doses and waits a few weeks,” Wen said.
CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen

However, if you really want to get together inside because let’s say it’s absolutely freezing outside, “the safest way to do this is still for everyone to quarantine for at least 10 days and lower their risk during these 10 days,” Wen said.

Eating indoors is still a major risk due to everyone who is at the table putting aside their mask to eat their favorite foods and catch up.

Many restaurants also do not have HEPA filters which makes the air indoors poorly ventilated.

“I think the 6 feet indoors is not enough by itself,” said Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, who has been studying Covid-19 transmission.
Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech

However, even with the HEPA filter, environmental engineer Linsey Marr is still avoiding eating inside of restaurants and here’s why.

“HEPA filters reduce the amount of virus in the background air, but most transmission takes place in these close contact type of scenarios where you’re near someone that’s infected and they’re spreading lots of virus. The HEPA filter doesn’t help with that,” she said.
Linsey Marr, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech

Good news!

Concerts and outdoor sporting events are probably safe once everyone is vaccinated with good social distancing and everyone is wearing their masks, said Wen.

Many of us are itching for a vacation especially when it may be snowing where you live with bright and sunny skies in Mexico, but now is not the time to be traveling even if you have been vaccinated.

“I want to emphasize that now is not the time to be traveling period, internationally or domestically, it’s just not a good time to be traveling,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC’s new director, in a CNN global town hall last week.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDC’s new director