CDC Interim Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People

2 8, 2021

Vaccines are becoming more readily available in our area. Records show these vaccination rates in Texas so far: In Harris County, 9.5% of the population has been fully vaccinated; Fort Bend Co, 15%. I've been fortunate to be in the fully vaccinated group and helped others register for their vaccines.

Those of us who have been extra cautious in regards for others' welfare are finally seeing the rays of hope for extended families and close friends to safely gather once again, as the CDC released its first interim guidelines today for fully vaccinated people.

Fully vaccinated for COVID-19 means ≥2 weeks after receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or ≥2 weeks after receipt of a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen)

High risk conditions include these people: older adults, pregnant women, and those with conditions such as obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart conditions, COPD, and cancer

This summarizes the chart below:

• **In private settings, fully vaccinated people will not need to wear masks or social distance UNLESS they are around 1) someone who is unvaccinated and at high risk of severe infection and 2) unvaccinated people from different households.
• **Someone who is fully vaccinated will also not need to quarantine or test for COVID-19 after exposure if (s)he is asymptomatic, yet still monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

Anyone who has symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate and get tested.

In gray areas, err on the side of caution and maintain masking and social distancing, and preferably meeting outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Continue to take precautions when in public. 

Travel requirements remain the same from 2/16/2021.

Stay tuned for additional updates as new guidelines are released.