The past year has been a difficult one for many seniors who couldn’t socialize with family, friends, and neighbors because of COVID-19 social distancing recommendations.

As more older adults are currently receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidelines for fully vaccinated individuals.

What Does “Fully Vaccinated” From the Coronavirus Mean?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized three COVID-19 vaccines (and dosage recommendations) from the following companies:

• Moderna (two doses needed)
• Pfizer (two doses needed)
• Johnson & Johnson (One dose needed)

Remember, your loved one is not fully vaccinated immediately after they receive their final vaccine dose. The CDC considers individuals “fully vaccinated” two weeks after their last dose.

What Restrictions Do the Guidelines Remove for Fully Vaccinated Adults?

As of April 27, 2021, the new CDC guidelines lightened some of the recommended restrictions. Fully vaccinated individuals can:

• Gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• Take part in outdoor activities without wearing a mask (except for certain crowded venues).
• Resume domestic travel without needing to quarantine after travel.
• Resume international travel without testing before travel (unless required by the destination) and needing to quarantine upon arrival back into the U.S.

What Precautions Should Fully Vaccinated People Continue to Follow?

Although the new guidelines are a step closer to normalcy, the CDC recommends fully vaccinated people continue to:

• Wear close-fitting masks and practice physical distancing when in indoor public places.
• Wear close-fitting masks, wash or sanitize hands thoroughly, and social distance when possible during international and domestic travel.
• Be aware of COVID-19 situations during international travel because variants may still pose a risk. A COVID-19 test 3-5 days after travel is recommended if symptoms develop.
• Wear close-fitting masks and practice physical distance when visiting unvaccinated individuals who are at high risk for severe COVID-19.
• Get tested as soon as possible if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19 Guidelines and Seniors

Yes, we are taking a step closer to normalcy and can visit our senior loved ones who are fully vaccinated. But the pandemic is still not gone. Make sure to follow the CDC guidelines to protect seniors from COVID.

If your senior needs home care assistance—even if they are fully vaccinated—a professional caregiver can help protect and comfort them at home and in public.

Receive a free home care consultation from Visiting Angels to discuss your loved one’s needs.