The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations, clearing the way for fully vaccinated individuals to gather with other vaccinated people indoors without masks or social distancing.
The CDC considers individuals to be fully vaccinated about two weeks after receiving their complete inoculation. So far, there are three available vaccines in the U.S., including the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which require two doses, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires just one.
“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement. “There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in the privacy of their own homes. Everyone—even those who are vaccinated—should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings.”
Already, the U.S. has administered more than 90 million vaccines, according to the CDC. There are nearly 29 million cases of Covid-19 in the U.S., resulting in more than 522,000 total deaths. President Biden previously advised that the U.S. will have enough vaccine supply for all Americans by the end of May 2021.
While vaccinated groups will be able to resume some activities with other vaccinated people, the CDC still urged Americans to take precautions, including wearing a facemask around others and continuing to practice social distancing.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."